Ternstroemia gymnanthera

japanesecleyerafull
(Photo by Heather Castleberry)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Theaceae
Common name: Japanese Cleyera

General Information (1,2,3)

Region of Origin: China and Japan
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8-10
Growth Habit: Shrub

  • Size: 8-10 feet
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
  • Flowering: Spring
  • Fruiting: September

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1,2,3)

  • Arrangement: Alternate
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Shape: Oval
  • Other: 2.5-4 inches

japanesecleyeraleaf
(Photo by Heather Castleberry)

Stem/Bark 

japanesecleyerastem
(Photo by Heather Castleberry)

Flower (2,3)

  • Perfect/Imperfect: Perfect
  • Color: White to yellow
  • Size: 1/2 inch

Fruit (1,2,3)

  • Fruit type: Berry
  • Size: 1/2 inch
  • Color: Red

Horticultural Information (1,2)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • pH: Acidic
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Accent, hedge, border, screen
  • Other: Avoid dry, basic areas; severe pruning is needed

Interesting Facts (1)

  • Replacing Red Tips because they are resistant to many diseases and pests

References

1) Gilman, E. Ternstroemia gymnanthera Cleyera, Japanese Ternstroemia. (2012). University of Florida IFAS Extension. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp575
2) Scheper, J. (1996). Floridata. http://www.floridata.com/ref/t/ternstro.cfm
3) Dirr, M. (1998). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. (5th ed., pp. 208-211). Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing L.L.C.

Prepared by Heather Castleberry as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek