Species: Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica)
Family: Silktassels (GARRYACEAE)
Category: Flowering Plants
Location: NW
A. Flowering Plants
More extensive information on flowering plants can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Silktassels (GARRYACEAE)
The Silktassel family of plants includes two genera: Garryas (of which there are perhaps 15 to 20 species), and Aucubas (of which there are 5 to 10 species). They are evergreen shrubs and small trees that are found in temperate and sub-tropical regions.
C. Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica)
This Spotted Laurel was first noticed in February 2022, tucked beside a gravestone. It presumably seeded itself there with the assistance of a bird, but seeds may equally have blown in from its long silk tassel catkins last year. In spite of its English name, this cultivar - Crotonifolia - is not a laurel; also in spite of its Latin name, it is not a japonica. (It is merely considered to be a species 'from Japan'.) It is a member of the Silktassel family of plants which includes two genera: Garryas (of which there are perhaps 15 to 20 species), and Aucubas (of which there are 5 to 10 species).
This plant/shrub is not related to the Bay that is also found in the Cemetery.
This cultivar of the Spotted Laurel is a variegated one that tolerates deep shade and pollution. The plant was first introduced into England in 1783 by John Graeffer. It has small flowers that are produced in clusters. Fruits are avoided by birds.
Images
Spotted Laurel
This cultivar of the Spotted Laurel is a variegated one that tolerates deep shade and pollution.
