Broad-leaf privet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broad-leaf privet |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ligustrum
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| Species: |
lucidum
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Ligustrum lucidum, also known as the broad-leaf privet or glossy privet, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the olive family. This tree originally comes from the southern parts of China. But it has spread and now grows naturally in many other places around the world. These include countries like Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia, and parts of the southern United States. Its name, lucidum, means "bright" or "shiny" in Latin. This is because of its glossy leaves.
Contents
What Does the Glossy Privet Look Like?
The glossy privet is an evergreen tree. This means it keeps its leaves all year round, even in winter. It can grow quite tall, up to about 10 m (33 ft) (33 feet) high and wide.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the glossy privet are dark green and very shiny. They grow in pairs on the stem. Each leaf can be about 6–17 centimetres (2.4–6.7 in) (2.4 to 6.7 inches) long and 3–8 centimetres (1.2–3.1 in) (1.2 to 3.1 inches) wide.
The flowers are white or almost white. They grow in large clusters called panicles. These clusters look a bit like pyramids. The flowers have a strong smell. Some people find this smell a bit unpleasant.
Special Recognition
The glossy privet and a special type called 'Excelsum Superbum' have won an award. This award is called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It means they are excellent plants for gardens.
How People Use Glossy Privet
People often plant Ligustrum lucidum as an ornamental tree. This means it's grown for its beauty in gardens and parks. Sometimes, you might see types with different colored leaves.
Hedges and Pruning
It is also used to make dense, evergreen hedges. These hedges can be shaped and kept at a certain size. This is done by regular pruning, which means trimming the branches.
An Invasive Plant
In some places where it has been brought, the glossy privet has become an invasive species. This means it grows very quickly and spreads easily. It can take over areas and push out native plants. For example, in parts of the southeastern United States, it has become a problem in cities.
In New South Wales, Australia, it is listed as a "noxious weed." This means it is considered harmful to the environment or farming. New Zealand also lists it on its National Pest Plant Accord. This is a list of plants that are not allowed to be sold or spread because they are harmful.
Traditional Uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds of the glossy privet are known as nu zhen zi. People believed these seeds could help with certain health issues. They were thought to help with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness (vertigo). They were also used for early graying hair and for weakness in the lower back and knees. Because people believed the berries helped the liver, they were also used for eye problems. These included red or dry eyes, blurry vision, and eye pain.
What's in a Name?
The name Ligustrum means "binder." This might refer to how some privet species were used to tie things.
The second part of its scientific name, lucidum, is Latin. It means "bright" or "shiny." This describes the glossy, shiny leaves of the plant.
Gallery
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Ligustrum lucidum flowers
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Ligustrum lucidum berries
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Ligustrum lucidum killed as weeds in an Australian rainforest
See also
In Spanish: Ligustro chino para niños
