Aucuba

Aucuba
Aucuba japonica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Garryales
Family:	Garryaceae
Genus:	Aucuba Thunb.
Synonyms
Eubasis Salisb.

Eubasis Salisb.

Aucuba is a genus of three to ten species of flowering plants, now placed in the family Garryaceae, although formerly classified in the Aucubaceae or Cornaceae.

Aucuba species are native to eastern Asia, from the eastern Himalayas east to China, Korea, and Japan. The name is a latinization of Japanese Aokiba. They are evergreen shrubs or small trees 2-13 m tall, similar in appearance to the laurels of the genus Laurus, having glossy, leathery leaves, and are among the shrubs that are mistakenly called laurels in gardens.

The leaves are opposite, broad lanceolate, 8-25 cm long and 2-7 cm broad, with a few large teeth on the margin near the apex of the leaf. Aucubas are dioecious, having separate male and female plants. The flowers are small, 4-8 mm diameter, with four purplish-brown petals; they are produced in clusters of 10-30 in a loose cyme. The fruit is a red berry 1 cm diameter.

Sowing Seeds. Clean the outer fleshy pulp from the seeds, which may be sown as soon as the fruit ripens (in the autumn). Can be planted in pots. Soil should be sandy and around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cuttings. Perhaps the best way to propagate is by taking cuttings in the spring. Cuttings will grow roots in a few weeks.

Where to Plant. Aucubas may be planted outside but starting in zone 6 plants should be kept in sheltered locations. Does well beneath trees as it thrives in shade and dry areas. No special feeding is required and plants tend to grow into desirable bush shapes with very little pruning. For the best crop of berries, plant a male plant among every six female plants.

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Wikipedia