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Cocculus laurifolius (Platter-Leaf) - A small tree or a dense evergreen shrub with can reach 15-25 feet tall by as wide with a smooth brown trunk and spreading, arching branches. It has 6 inch long by 2-inch-wide leathery alternate dark green leaves that are ovate-lanceolate and have three pronounced veins that run the length of the leaf with one in the center and the other two near the margins. This dioecious plant with the male and female flowers on separate plants and with the flowers of both sexes being small greenish yellow and not showy. Female flowers can be followed by a small black berry when plant is grown in the sun.
Plant in sun or part shade with moderate water. It is hardy to about 20° F and tolerates the heat of the low desert. A very useful large shrub that stays full even in deep shade and is even noted to grow well under Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus), which speaks to how tough this plant is. Great for use as a screen where there is enough available width present and stems are limber enough to be espaliered to create a flat screen. The cut stems are useful and long lasting as foliage in bouquets.
Cocculus laurifolius is native to the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains, China, Taiwan and Japan. Though first described by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1818, he noted that this species was unique in the genus in that the base of the petal did not embrace the filament and recent treatment of this plant has included it in the allied genus Pachygone as Pachygone laurifolius, though so not to confuse customers we continue to list it by its more familiar named. The name of the genus comes from the Greek word 'kokkos' meaning a "berry" in reference to the fruit and the specific epithet references the similarities of its leaves to those of the laurel (Laurus nobilis). Other common names include Hindu Laurel and Snailseed.
Platter-leaf was introduced into California in 1923 by Coolidge Rare Plant Gardens in East Pasadena. This plant is also grown in the southeastern US and received one of the first Florida Superior Plant awards. While never very common in cultivation, it has been popular with those who recognize its attractiveness and useful virtues. The largest measured specimen of this species in California is a tree next to the Lobero Building in downtown Santa Barbara. This specimen on the California Big Tree Registry under its current accepted name Pachygone laurifolius.
The information about Cocculus laurifolius displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
