Tasmannia comprises approximately 50 species of woody, evergreen shrubs and trees that are native to Malesia and eastern Australia. This genus was formerly classified within Drimys.

Tasmannia

Tasmannia lanceolata is a robust, evergreen shrub that can grow to heights of 4 meters or more, featuring an upright growth habit. Its foliage consists of dark green leaves that are lighter on the underside and exhibit a copper hue when young. The young stems and twigs display a reddish-purple coloration. Both the bark and leaves emit a strong cinnamon aroma. This dioecious plant produces fragrant flowers in the spring, arranged in clusters at the sides and tips. The blooms are greenish-yellow with slender, twisting petals that encircle yellow anthers in the male flowers. The resulting fruit is a glossy, round black berry.

Tasmannia lanceolata

Tasmannia lanceolata 'Inverewe Prolific' (f)

Tasmannia lanceolata 'Mount Wellington'

Tasmannia lanceolata 'Red Spice' is a vertical, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 4 meters. It features glossy, dark green leaves that are leathery and can grow up to 8 centimeters long, emerging from deep red stems. In spring, small, sweet-scented creamy-white flowers appear in clusters, and female specimens produce rounded black fruits afterward.

Tasmannia lanceolata 'Red Spice'

Tasmannia lanceolata 'Suzette' is a robust evergreen shrub that grows upright, reaching heights of up to 4 meters. Its foliage features green leaves adorned with creamy yellow variegation. The new growth showcases reddish-purple stems and twigs. Both the bark and leaves emit a pronounced cinnamon aroma. As a dioecious species, Tasmannia features separate male and female plants; 'Suzette' is a male cultivar that produces small, fragrant white flowers with yellow anthers during the spring season.