Sarcococca saligna

Description: A small shrub with erect green stems and very long narrower leaves. Greenish white flowers with less scent than some of the Sarcococca though useful as earlier flowering. Purple berries follow in autumn.

Uses: Good for block planting as ground cover in a shaded spot.

Climate/Position: Shade prefered but will tolerate sun. Avoid cold wind.

Height/Spread: up to 1 metre height and spread.

Soil Requirements: Fertile moist well-drained soil - moderately fertile but humus rich.

Pruning: No pruning required.

Special Requirements: 

Additional Interest: Sarcococca are all monoecious meaning that male and female flowers are carried separately, but on the same plant. The name is derived from the Greek words sarkos meaning flesh, andkokkos meaning a berry, a reference to the fleshy fruits of the plant. 

Scientific research has shown Sarcococca saligna to have potential use in medicine against microbial resistance in chemotherapy and fungal infection and steroidal alkaloids were isolated in 2000 by American Chemical Society and American Society of Pharmacognosy.