Ligustrum L.

Timothy M. A. Utteridge and Laura V. S. Jennings (2022). Trees of New Guinea. Kew Publishing. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Distribution

A genus of about 40 species, in the Old World temperate and tropical regions, except Africa. In New Guinea, only two species are recorded: Ligustrum glomeratum Blume and L. novoguineense Lingelsh.

Morphology General Habit

Shrubs or small trees to 12 m

Morphology Leaves

Leaves simple, opposite, margin entire

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences cymose-paniculate, terminal or axillary (in the upper shoots)

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers bisexual, cream or white, usually fragrant; calyx small, campanulate or obconic, usually with 4 shallow teeth or sometimes truncate; corolla sympetalous, 4-lobed, valvate or induplicate-valvate; stamens 2, inserted on the corolla tube, usually exserted; anther thecae dehiscing laterally, connective sometimes prolonged into a short blunt appendage; ovary rounded, bilocular, 2 locules per locule; style elongate, cylindrical, stigmas 2, more or less fused

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit a berry or drupe, 6–8 mm long, fleshy, purple-black when ripe

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds 1–4.

Ecology

Found growing in primary forest or secondary vegetation, from 650 to 1400 m.

Recognition

Species of this genus can be easily recognised by the inflorescences being terminal and axillary in the upper shoots, fragrant flowers with four short calyx lobes, a distinct corolla tube and stamens usually projecting beyond the corolla tube.