Azara microphylla
Family: Flacourtiaceae
What it is like
Azara microphylla is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Lakesides and along the edges of Nothofagus forests.
S. America - Chile and S. Argentina.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. No further details are given. The fruit is very small, about 3mm in diameter according to one report and about 5mm according to another.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a position in sun or light shade in a deep humus rich soil, but succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Succeeds in almost any soil so long as it is not very wet or very dry. Flowers better in a warm sheltered position. Plants are subject to windburn if they are not in a sheltered position. This species is generally hardy in the open in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c, though young plants are less hardy. The new growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Cultivated for its edible fruit in Chile. The flowers are sweetly fragrant and vanilla scented.
Propagating it: Seed - can be sown in a greenhouse or cold frame at any time of the year, though late winter or as soon as the seed is ripe are probably the best times to sow. It usually germinates within 1 - 3 months at 15°c, though it can take 18 months. When large enough to handle, pot the seedlings up into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 7 - 10cm with a heel, November in a cold frame. Takes 12 months. Layering in spring. Takes 6 - 9 months.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist