Diospyros whyteana
“Wild Coffee”

Let me introduce to you a tough plant from South Africa that fixes the ever impossible dark-shaded-corner-where-nothing-will-fill-in. Ta-da! Problem solved. This small tree or shrub takes both strong light & dark shade & has dark green glossy EVERGREEN leaves that make a marvelous backdrop for where there just isn’t enough light to get other things to deal. Dark grey smooth bark is also attractive, new growth is bronzy & red & flowers are inconspicuous but fragrant! As a super bonus, the berries that follow the flowers in funny, persistent, papery balloon-like pods are a beautiful bright red, very attractive to birds & can be roasted & used as a substitute for coffee. Tolerant of most soils, it prefers regular water. A relatively slow growing plant, it can be pruned to shape & size, even as a hedge! To 20'h.

Claire Woods
Propagator