This genus comprises approximately 100 species of evergreen trees and shrubs native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. Characterized by glossy, blue-green leaves, they produce small, fragrant white flowers during the summer months, which are succeeded by fruits that range in color from yellow to dark red.

Ternstroemia

Ternstroemia chapaensis

Ternstroemia gymnanthera

Ternstroemia gymnanthera 'Burnished Gold'

Ternstroemia gymnanthera 'Variegata' (v)

Ternstroemia gymnanthera var. wightii

Ternstroemia japonica

Ternstroemia japonica 'Hohb'

Ternstroemia japonica Bigfoot ('Sotall')

Ternstroemia kwangtungensis

Ternstroemia luteoflora is a compact evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 8 meters. It features greyish-white bark and purplish-brown stems, along with leathery leaves that are oblong to elliptic in shape, measuring as much as 11 centimeters in length. The upper surfaces of the leaves are dark green and glossy, while the undersides are a lighter green. During late spring to early summer, it produces small flowers that range from white to pale yellow. These blooms give way to rounded, leathery fruits that can grow up to 2 centimeters in diameter.

Ternstroemia luteoflora

Ternstroemia nitida is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height. Its leaves are oblong to elliptic in shape, measuring up to 10 centimeters long, with glossy dark green tops and lighter green undersides. During the summer months, it produces fragrant flowers that range from white to pale yellow, typically appearing singly in the leaf axils. These flowers give way to ovoid fruits, about 1 centimeter long, which ripen to a purple-red hue.