Cocculus laurifolius (Laurel-leaf Snailseed)

Botanical Information

FamilyMenispermaceae
GenusCocculus
Specieslaurifolius
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
OriginSouth-east Asia.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-3.8)-4.5
Temperature (°F)25 - 40
Height6 - 9 m
Spread2.4 - 6 m

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLarge shrub to small tree, evergreen, rounded to decurrent and weeping branches, luxuriant, and tropical.
ShapeRounded to decurrent and weeping.
LandscapeBackground, large informal hedge, visual screen, foundation plant for larger buildings, nice small multiple-trunk tree with dense canopy, excellent for use around water.
PropagationBy cuttings.
CultivationGrow in full sun to shade although becomes less dense in shade. Leaves 1/2 size in full sun, lighter green, and cupped.
PestsFoliar scale insects in tight landscape spaces with poor air circulation.
Notable SpecimensBok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United State of America. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Bark/Stem DescriptionYoung stems green, medium to coarse texture depending on use and plant size, mature bark is smooth and brown.
Leaf DescriptionDark green leaves, alternate in arrangement, to 15 cm long, leaves have a unique three-vein structure, with one prominent vein in the middle and the other two close to the leaf edges.
Flower DescriptionSmall yellow to green flowers, very small, in slender, erect panicles to 10 cm long, usually shorter at leaf axillary meristems in spring.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is a very small black drupe (0.5 cm diameter). Plants are not reproductive (barren flowers) in shade.
Texture DescriptionShiny green, with a dark and dense interior.

Photographs