Azara (plant)

Azara is a genus of ten species of flowering plants in the family Salicaceae, native to temperate to subtropical regions of South America. They are most often found at woodland margins and lakesides.[2] Azara was formerly classed in the family Flacourtiaceae.

They are evergreen shrubs and small trees growing to 1–8 m tall. The leaves are alternate, or in some species they appear paired, are simple 1–9 cm long and 0.5–5 cm broad. The opposite-leaved appearance of some species is unusual in that one stipule is enlarged giving the appearance of opposite [“paired”] leaves. The flowers are small, yellow or greenish, strongly fragrant, with a 4-5-lobed calyx and no petals but conspicuous long, often brightly colored, stamens; flowering is in spring. The fruit is a red to black berry 3–10 mm diameter.

Several species are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens. In temperate regions they require the shelter of a wall.[2]