Pera-caspi

An very unusual small tree (sometimes a large shrub) from South America, Vallea stipularis is a rather slow-growing, evergreen tree with an upright, branching, spreading habit. The leathery, ovate to heart-shaped leaves are glossy dark green, and arranged spirally round the twigs. From late spring into summer, the tree carries clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers, deep pink to crimson, and bears more in autumn. Pera-caspi is not reliably hardy, and is best grown against a warm wall in milder areas, or in a cool, shady greenhouse.