The Griselinia Family
What are they?
This is a family of woody plants that is native to the southern hemisphere with just a single species widely introduced into the UK as a garden ornamental. The Griselinias were formerly placed in the Dogwood family (Cornaceae) but more recently they have been recognised as forming their own family and are now placed taxonomically towards the end of the evolutionary tree and close to the Pittosporums. Our one, introduced species is an evergreen shrub with slightly fleshy, alternate, leathery leaves, yellowish stems and tiny flowers carried in trusses in the leaf axils. Originating from New Zealand, it is not fully frost-hardy but has proved very tolerant of coastal conditions in the UK.
Where are they found?
One species is widely planted in gardens and amenity areas, especially near the coast, where its salt tolerance is a useful attribute in coping with coastal conditions. Occasionally a plant may be found in the wider countryside as a survivor from a previous planting or as a garden throw-out.
Identification
The leathery, pale green leaves on yellowish stems are very distinctive, as is the very regular arrangement of the leaves and branches.
New Zealand Broadleaf Griselinia littoralis
Introduced from New Zealand as a garden and amenity ornamental and widely planted for hedging and screening, especially near the coast. Flowers April to May. Evergreen shrubs, capable of growing to over 3m in height but often cut as hedging. Leaves are 3-10cm in length, slightly fleshy and with a leathery feel. Flowers are just 2-4mm across and appear in loose trusses in the leaf axils.
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