Privet
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Ligustrum
Species: L. lucidum
Binomial name: Ligustrum lucidum
Common names: Tree Privet, Privet, Glossy Privet, Chinese Privet , Broad-leaf Privet, hedge privet
Ligustrum lucidum is a species of privet native to the southern half of China. It is a pest plant and is widespread & common in New Zealand and tolerates wide range of conditions.
It is a small medium, hardy, fast growing, evergreen tree or dense shrub <10m high. It has dark green, glossy oval leaves with pointed tips and smooth edges. Long panicles of strongly scented white flowers (Nov-Mar)which develop into berry-like bluish or purplish-black drupes.Its seeds are dispersed by birds, and over long distances by Kereru.
Its impact on environment is that it replaces mid canopy trees (taraire, towai, pohutukawa) & completely dominates areas of forest if unhindered. Privet displaces forest shrub tier & marginal shrubs in alluvial forests.
The leaves & fruit are poisonous and its perfume contributes to asthma.
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