Viburnum tinus

Viburnum tinus00

Viburnum February 2008-1

Viburnum tinus is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to the Mediterranean region and the North African coast. Commonly known as laurustinus, laurustinus viburnum, or laurestine, it is a widely cultivated evergreen shrub, popular in gardens and landscapes for its aesthetic appeal and versatility.

Description

Viburnum tinus grows to 2–7 m tall and 3–4 m wide. Its leaves are evergreen, dark green, and glossy, measuring 4–10 cm long and 2–4 cm broad. The plant produces dense, terminal clusters of small white or light pink flowers in late winter to spring, followed by dark blue-black berries.

The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female organs, and are pollinated by insects. The fruit is a small, oval drupe, edible but not widely consumed by humans due to its bland or slightly bitter taste.

Cultivation and Uses

Viburnum tinus is valued in horticulture for its attractive foliage, flowers, and berries. It is used in gardens and public landscapes as a specimen plant, for hedges and screens, or as part of mixed borders. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of conditions, including full sun to partial shade and a variety of soil types. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established.

In addition to its ornamental value, Viburnum tinus has been used in traditional medicine, though it is not widely recognized in modern medical practice. The plant's leaves and berries have been used in folk remedies for a variety of ailments, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.

Varieties and Cultivars

Several varieties and cultivars of Viburnum tinus have been developed for garden use, offering variations in size, foliage, and flower color. Some popular cultivars include:

- Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price': Compact growth habit with pink buds opening to white flowers. - Viburnum tinus 'Gwenllian': Similar to 'Eve Price', with slightly larger flowers. - Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum': Features variegated foliage with creamy white edges.

Pests and Diseases

Viburnum tinus is generally robust and disease-resistant but can be susceptible to pests such as viburnum beetle and diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew under certain conditions. Regular monitoring and appropriate cultural practices can help minimize these issues.

Conservation

While Viburnum tinus is not currently listed as a species at risk, its natural habitats are subject to the general pressures of development, agriculture, and climate change. Conservation of its native ecosystems is important for the preservation of this species and the broader biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Gallery

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See Also

• Adoxaceae
• Mediterranean Basin
• Horticulture
• Traditional medicine

References

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