Cleyera

There is some confusion as to this plant with two varieties named Cleyera

• Cleyera gymnanthera (Ternstroemia gymnanthera) Takes shade. Similar to red tipped Photina. Red new growth, glossy dark green leaves and small pinkish flowers in the spring.
• Dave's Garden
• horticulturist.com
• University of Florida
• University of Florida
• Cleyera japonica or sakaki (Eurya ochnacea) Extremely hard to find. Related to the Camelia. An excellent shade tree and can also be trimmed as a hedge. Slow growing. Produces red new growth, glossy dark green leaves and small pinkish to white flowers in the spring followed by red fruits. Originally from Japan and, based on Buddhist tradition is considered the first plant to grow out of the chaos of creation and, therefore, is planted near Shinto shrines with the branches used on altars and in ceremonies. Not readily available.
  • Images
  • Images
  • Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute
  • Variegata