Severinia buxifolia (Poit.) Ten.

ORIGIN DATA:

Although its exact origin is unknown, it is known to be native to Southeast Asia. It is found in natural environments in southern China, as well as in Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia and Laos.

 

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

It is an evergreen shrub with very dense, compact foliage, low branching and short internodes. The branches are thin and thorny. Its leaves are small, oval, shiny and dark green. They are characterized by very apparent veins. The flowers are small, white and fragrant, and flowering occurs in spring. The ripe fruits are slightly depressed, globose berries, with seeds, shiny rind and black color that arrive in late summer. It has a very slow growth rate.

 

USES:

Given its morphology and the presence of thorns, it is used as a hedge. In China its leaves are used to make yeast cakes, (tsau’ ping lak in Cantonese, meaning “wine cake”).