Drimys aromatica

Drimys aromatica, nowadays renamed Tasmannia lanceolata, is an evergreen shrub native to the Antipodes, better known as Tasmanian pepper or Mountain pepper. This species is interesting for several reasons. Firstly, for its elegant habit, bushy, upright, and dense, and then for its young red branches adorned with beautiful glossy foliage, pleasantly aromatic when crushed. While its spring flowers are not spectacular, they are very fragrant and, on female plants, become black and highly aromatic berries when fully ripe.  These were once used by local people as a spice to enhance dishes.

Tasmannia lanceolata belongs to an ancient botanical family, the Winteraceae family, which is related to Magnolia. It is native to cold and tropical temperate forests in southeastern Australia. It is an evergreen slow-growing shrub, with a bushy, regular, and upright habit. It will reach an average height of 2.50m (8ft) with a spread of 1.25m (4ft).  Its young red-coloured stems bear lanceolate leaves, 4 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) long and 1 to 2 cm (1in) wide. They are dark green and shiny on the upper side, while the underside is light green and matte. Both the foliage and the bark are rich in aromatic compounds. Flowering occurs in late spring, in May-June. The small flowers are composed of 5 waxy petals, cream to green in colour. They are grouped in umbels at the end of the branches. They emit a unique and powerful scent, both pungent and spicy, with a slight acridity. There are male and female Drimys plants. Only the female ones produce clusters of small fruits with 2 round lobes, initially red and turning black when ripe.

Drymis aromatica is not difficult to grow in a suitable climate and in a limestone-free, moist soil. It is elegant and ornamental throughout the year. It can be used to create an evergreen hedge, a windbreak, or planted as a specimen or mixed with other evergreens such as laurel, Elaeagnus, Photinia, or Thuja.  It can also be used in a large bed of acid-loving shrubs, for example, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Kalmia, Hamamelis, and Pieris, for example.