Family Rhamnaceae
Originating from Uruguay, S Brazil

• Unique triangular spiky foliage forms a dense evergreen shrub.
• Beautiful white heavily scented flowers appear in profusion in late summer.
• Easy to grow in full sun in poor well drained soil.

Unique, fearsome, and stunningly architectural. The triangular foliage of this evergreen shrub is sharp, angular, and a delightful shade of olive/sage green, although they are not true leaves. The rigid stems of this species have evolved to form cladodes – flattened photosynthesising ‘leaves’, and are borne on stiff branches that form a dense and somewhat tangled mass. The entire plant is possessed of an eye-catching geometry, with its branches, shoots, and leaves all borne at similar ascending angles. Care should be taken when working at close quarters with this plant; thick gloves and eye protection are a must.

In late summer the plant is laden with profuse pure white flowers. The buds stand erect and are borne directly from the stems, without stalks, similar in appearance to small orange blossoms. Their unique aroma of honey and marzipan wafts some distance from the plant, making a thick and sweet scent like no other species. The dense masses of crowded blooms have a frothy appearance, softening the sharp character of the plant. Their whiteness stands out against the dark, matt coloured foliage, catching the eye even from a distance.

The rugged character and almost succulent appearance of this species makes it invaluable for Mediterranean-style gardens where its bushy and rounded shape can contrast with bold architectural plants such as Butia capitata, Brahea armata, and Chamaerops humilis, whilst its spiny branches are in keeping with Agave ovatifolia, Agave montana and Aloe striatula. In our Mediterranean display gardens at Urban Jungle Suffolk, near Beccles, it creates a stunning contrast to the weeping foliage of Genista aetnensis, and the soft billowing crowns of Acacia retinodes blue-leaved and Eucalyptus gregsoniana, whilst complementing the rigid characters of nearby Psuedopanax ferox and Yucca filifera.

The ‘Anchor Plant’, so called because of its curved, flattened, and thick cladodes (leaves), is easy to prune into a dense miniature tree-like form or even a loose hedge. Controlling its angular growth, which may otherwise form asymmetrical branches – giving the plant a lopsided overall shape, helps to form a rounded and even shape. Lopsided growth occurs especially if it is planted with shade to one aspect, causing it to ‘reach’ for the light. Therefore, an open and fully exposed site is preferred, and suits the species, especially in maritime climates where it thrives.

Hardy in southern and coastal gardens once mature with thick woody growth, it should be planted against a hot sunny wall or corner in central or northern gardens. It is well suited to growing in large pots and is hardy enough to survive -4 or -6C, so moving it into a greenhouse or conservatory, even if unheated, should see it through harsh winters.

Easy to grow in poor, well-drained soil in full sun.

Height and spread after 10 – 20 years 3m x 3m.