Skimmia with berriesSkimmia japonica in blossomSkimmia japonica Inflorescence.
Skimmia is a genus of four species of evergreendioecious shrubs and small trees in the rue family Rutaceae, all native to warm temperate regions of Asia. The leaves are clustered at the ends of the shoots, simple, lanceolate, 6–21 cm long and 2–5 cm broad, with a smooth margin. The flowers are in dense panicle clusters, each flower small, 6–15 mm diameter, with 4-7 petals. The fruit is red to black, 6–12 mm diameter, a fleshy drupe containing a single seed. All parts of the plant have a pungent aroma when crushed.[1] The botanical nameSkimmia is a Latinization of shikimi (シキミ, 樒), which is the Japanese name for Illicium religiosum as well as an element in miyama shikimi (ミヤマシキミ, 深山樒), the Japanese name for Skimmia japonica.
Skimmias are fed on by aphids, Horse Chestnut Scale, Garden Leafhopper, and Southern Red Mite.
Cultivation
Skimmias are grown as garden plants for their foliage, flowers, and showy red fruits. They are grown in shade, with moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils. They are tolerant of both drought and air pollution. A large number of cultivars have been selected for garden use:[1]
