Aucuba chinensis

Aucuba chinensis Overview

Aucuba chinensis is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Garryaceae family. Originating from southern China, Taiwan, Burma and northern Vietnam, this plant is dioecious and thus produces separate male and female flowers on individual plants. Foliage is oppositely arranged, oval-shaped, toothed along the edges, glossy and coloured a dark green on the upper surface and a lighter green on the lower side. Small, non-showy purple flowers are produced, followed by bright red ornamental berries in female specimens. Makes a good hedging or screening plant for its thick foliage and may also be grown as a free-standing shrub for its ornamental value. Grows well in most soils, with the exception of waterlogged soils, allow to dry out between waterings to reduce the chance of root rot developing.