A large, evergreen, spreading shrub from Chile that is related to Myrtles and is ideal for southern coastal sites. Reaching up to 15 meters tall it has leathery ovate foliage with leathery white, to slightly pink, star like, fragrant flowers produced in abundance on the previous years growth. The blooms are then followed by shiny black berries in late summer through to autumn which are edible. Grown not only for its flowers and berries but for its orange/ brown, peeling bark with a snakeskin type pattern on mature specimens. Mature plants do look best with the crown raised to expose the main trunk. 

Although naturally it occurs in swampy areas, along stream sides and in coastal areas it will do better in the UK if given a moist but well drained soil. This will help it get through our sometimes tough winters as young plants will only tolerate around -5c. Larger, more mature plants can tolerate lower for short spells. If growing in a pot do not allow the compost to dry out during the warmer months.

Sent as a young plant in a 9cm pot.

Photo by Inao Vásquez