Danae racemosa (23/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Asparagaceae
Danae racemosa is a slow growing evergreen shrub with a bushy habit. Its glossy mid green leaves (which are actually flattened stems) are lanceolate with entire margins, up to 10cm long and 3cm wide. Its small yellow/ green flowers are bone in racemes at the stem tips. Its red fruit are berries, up to 2cm across and appear in autumn. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its slow spread.
Danae racemosa, commonly known as Alexandrian Laurel or Poet’s Laurel, is native to the south west corner of Asia. Danae racemosa is the only species within this genus.
The etymological root of the binomial name Danae is named after the daughter of Acrisius Persius, in Greek mythology. Racemosa is derived from the Latin meaning ‘flowers in racemes’.
The landscape architect may find Danae racemosa useful as part of a woodland planting scheme or in other sheltered, shady locations. This shrub may be used as a formal or informal hedge. Once established this shrub is drought tolerant.
Danae racemosa Leaf (23/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Danae racemosa berries are attractive to birds.
Danae racemosa prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Danae racemosa requires little maintenance.
