Box-leaf azara, Vanilla tree
Azara microphylla
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
An erect small evergreen tree. It grows to 6-10 m high. It is narrowly cone shaped. The bark is grey with lenticels running across it. It cracks into thin flakes. The leaves are oval and 2.5 cm long. They have small teeth and are glossy green above and paler underneath. There is a small leaf like stipule at the base. The flowers are small and in clusters. They do not have petals but have green sepals. They have yellow stamens which are easy to see. They grow in the axils of leaves. They have a vanilla smell. The fruit is a small orange-red berry.
There are about 10-15 Azara species. Most Flacourtiaceae are tropical trees. Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It is native to Argentina and Chile. It grows in deciduous forests. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level. It is a temperate plant. It can be damaged by frost. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile (country/location of origin), Europe, South America, Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from cuttings. They can also be grown from seeds. The plant produces a growth inhibitor that stops other plants growing.