Azaras
What are they?
The azaras are a small group of evergreen trees and shrubs with eleven species native to southern South America. From their clusters of petalless, usually fragrant flowers carried in rounded clusters amongst evergreen leaves, it's not immediately obvious that these are members of the willow family (Salicaceae).
Where are they found?
As non-natives in the UK, these plants are most likely to be found in urban areas, where they are only occasionally used in amenity plantings.
Identification
Only a single species has been recorded in our region, which is a rather distinctive large shrub with deep green, evergreen leaves.
Small-leaved Azara Azara microphylla
Introduced from southern Chile and Argentina as a garden ornamental. Only very occasionally encountered as an amenity plant, in parks with a more varied collection. Flowers February to March. A large shrub or small tree, often becoming very open and spindly. Leaves evergreen, small, 1-4cm long, dark, glossy green and at first with a pair of small, leaf-like stipules at their bases. Flowers petalless, in small clusters in the leaf axils, opening in late winter or early spring.
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