Its name meaning "pain"

Holly Olive is characterized by its thorny leaves and the Japanese name "Hiiragi" means "pain" in the old Japanese language. I think we all have had painful experiences with thorny leaves.
The pain is said to be unbearable even for demons, and in Japan it is believed to ward off evil spirits. Therefore, it is customary to decorate the entrance or gate of a house, or it is planted in the direction called "demon's gate" of the house site.

Holly Olive blooms white flowers at the base of the leaves from October to December. Its flower has good smells, so if you see it in bloom, please be careful of the thorny leaves and smell it.