Common Name:
Escallonia
Some 50 or so species of mostly evergreen shrubs and small trees. Leaves alternate, rarely whorled or subopposite, very short or no petiole, usually toothed, each tooth tipped with a gland. Flowers funnel-shaped, 5-lobed. Fruit is a berry or dry capsule. Known for their rapid growth and tolerance to strong ocean breezes. Native to South America, but especially popular as ornamental plants in Ireland, England, and California.
Escallonia: after Senor Escallon, a Spaniard who traveled in South America in the late 18th century.
Pronunciation:
es-ka-LON-ee-a
Family:
Grossulariaceae
Escalloniaceae