Azara microphylla (02/02/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Late winter to early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 8m
Eventual Spread: 4m
Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Salicaceae
Azara microphylla is an evergreen small tree or large shrub with an upright open habit. Its glossy dark green leaves are ovate with entire margins, up to 25mm long and 10m broad. Its small yellow fragrant flowers appear in cluster in the leaf axils. Its fruit is a small red berry, although this rarely develops.
Azara microphylla Leaf (02/02/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Azara microphylla, commonly known as Box Leaf Azara or Chinchin, is native to Chile and Argentina.
The etymological root of the binomial name Azara. Microphylla is derived from the Greek mikro meaning ‘small’ and phyllon meaning ‘leaf’’.
The landscape architect may find Azara microphylla useful as a small, winter flowering evergreen tree. Its may also be effectively used as an evergreen hedging species. This plant prefers a sheltered position in the UK.
Azara microphylla Flower Buds (02/02/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Azara microphylla flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Azara microphylla their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Azara microphylla prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Azara microphylla Bark (02/02/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Azara microphylla requires little maintenance.
