 The common name holly osmanthus refers to the similarity in leaf shape to that of the holly ("Ilex aquifolium"), an example of convergent evolution with a common objective of deterring browsing; the two may be distinguished easily by the leaf arrangement, alternate in "Ilex aquifolium" and opposite in "Osmanthus heterophyllus".It is widely used as a hedge plant.Several cultivars have been selected for garden use, including 'Aureus', 'Goshiki', 'Purpureus', 'Rotundifolius', and 'Subangustatus'.