Class
Order
Family
Genus
Classification
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Azara microphylla Hook.f., Bot. Antarct. Voy. I. (Fl. Antarct.) Part I, 244 (1845)
Vernacular Name(s):
vanilla tree
Description
Small tree or sometimes a large shrub, usually with densely bushy habit. Shoots densely hairy, slender. Petiole hairy, 1–4 mm long. Lamina 1–3 × 0.6–1.5 cm, elliptic to obovate, serrate on vegetative shoots, usually entire or slightly toothed on reproductive shoots, shining on both surfaces, dark green above, glabrous except for hairs on midrib above and sometimes below; veins impressed above. Stipules similar to lvs but ?-1/2 size and almost orbicular on reproductive shoots. Infl. a fascicle of few, fragrant, small fls; bracts < 1 mm long, prominently ciliate; pedicels 1–1.5 mm long, glabrous. Sepals c. 1 mm long, ovate, greenish, ciliate towards apex. Stamens 5, yellow, unequal with longest c. 2× calyx. Style c. 1 mm long. Berry 4–6 mm diam., subglobose, finely red-dotted on yellow and appearing orange; style persistent, acentric.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
Phenology
Flowering: Sep.–Oct.
Bibliography
Edwards, R. 2008: Lincoln University campus – a guide to some of the trees currently growing there. Lincoln University, Lincoln.
Hooker, J.D. 1844–1845: The Botany of the Antarctic Voyage of H.M. Discovery Ships Erebus and Terror in the Years 1839–1843, under the command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross. I. Flora Antarctica. Part I. Botany of Lord Auckland’s Group and Campbell’s Island. Reeve, Brothers, London.
