Family: Araliaceae

This genus comprises 12 to 20 species of ever-green trees and shrubs, grown for their interesting sword-shaped foliage. Natives of New Zealand and South America, these shrubs can grow to 6 m (20 ft), and some even higher, particularly in cool climates.

Species

P. chathamicus, from the Chatham Islands, grows to 6 m (20 ft), the fairly broad adult leaves reaching up to 20 cm (8 in) long.

P. crassifolius, lancewood, is a New Zealand species which can grow as tall as 15 m (50 ft). The plant changes dramatically as it matures. Initially, it has a single stern with stiff, sword-like leaves, to 1 m (3 ft) long; older plants become branched with a rounded canopy; and finally the leaves become compound and leathery, to about 30 cm (12 in) long.

P. ferox, also from New Zealand, grows to 6 m (20 ft), with narrow or sword-shaped leaves.

P. lessonii is more shrub-like, the mature leaves having three to five leaflets. The leathery leaves are a rich green, sometimes tinged with bronze-purple. There are many different forms of this species.

Cultivation

Where hard frosts occur regularly, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of gritty, soil-based potting compost. Ensure maximum light, but shade from direct strong sun. In the garden grow in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Propagate from seed in spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with bottom heat for both.

Climate

Zone 9.