Family: Flacourtiaceae

These temperate South American shrubs and small trees have small, glossy, dark green leaves and rather insignificant cream to yellow flowers which cluster close to the younger growth. Almost all the species have a distinctive vanilla-like perfume.

Species

A. integrifolia is a small tree, growing to about 8 m (26 ft), with sprays of creamy yellow flowers.

A. lanceolata has a sweet fragrance, different from the usual vanilla-like perfume of this genus. It has showy flowers, consisting mainly of stamens, followed by pale mauve berries. This graceful tree grows to around 6 m (20 ft) and prefers cool soil and plenty of sun from above.

A. microphylla, box leaf azara, is a vigorous evergreen from Chile. It has rather fine foliage, resembling that of Buxus, though with a more open appearance. It grows to about 7 m (23 ft) and is ideal for planting against walls.

Cultivation

Azaras do well in moist, slightly acid soils in full sun. The root systems form fibrous mats, so they should not be positioned near other plants. Propagate from cuttings in summer.

Climate

Azaras are suitable for zones 8 and 9.