Nectandra salicifolia

A beautiful broadleaf evergreen belonging to the Laurel family. This plant was originally collected by John Fairey and Carl Schoenfeld near La Bufa Del Diente in the San Carlos Mountains of Mexico in 1999. During that expedition, they collected seed off of a mature tree that they found at an elevation of 3,300 feet, and the tree that resulted from that seed still lives in our North Dry Garden today! In mid fall, small black fruits begin to ripen in the canopy, eventually falling to the ground and providing sustenance for any roaming critter that happens upon it. These small fruits are similar to the standard avocado, in that it has bright green inner flesh that surrounds the large seed pit, but we would not suggest eating it. Up until 2021, the Nectandra salicifolia in our North Dry Garden stood about 40 feet tall and was totally evergreen, but in the 2021 Snowmaggedon, the main trunk of the tree succumbed and had to be cut down. Luckily, the roots of the tree survived and began sending up shoots, which are now back to setting fruit every year. Plant in full sun and well draining soil. Keep well watered while getting it established.