unknown shrub ID needed, misidentified as Metrosideros

[Eric in Orlando]

This large shrub/small tree is growing at Disney's Animal Kingdom near the entrance to the African safari ride. It has been there since 1999 and was misidentified as a Metrosideros. It has never flowered and is now about 10-12 feet tall.

Anyone recognize what it may be?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

[Eric in Orlando]

[carver]

Ehretia?

 

[fastfeat]

How about Nicodemia integrifolia / Buddleja indica (Indoor oak)? Leaves are quite variable on it....

Edited April 12, 2017 by fastfeat
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[Eric in Orlando]

I've searched through a bunch of Ehretia species but can't find any that are glaucous on the leaf undersides.

Its not Buddleja indica though the leaves look similar. On a side note, why isn't this grown more? About 20 years ago some SoFL nurseries were growing this but have since stopped. We got a few plants and it is a great shrub. Grows in sun or shade, fairly drought tolerant, has tolerated down to 27F with no damage. It is dense growing and would make a great specimen, mass, or hedge,

A flower would be nice to help identify but this has never bloomed in 15+ years.

 

 

 

 

 

[Matthew92]

I was doing research awhile ago for good canopy trees in North Florida. I came across an evergreen tree from Japan (I assume) that looks very similar to this one.

Foolishly though, I didn't write down the scientific name. I saved a picture of it and just had it labeled "Japanese Laurel Tree." Now, I am trying to look that up and for the life of me I can't find where I got the picture originally and what it really is. Whenever I type in "Japanese Laurel Tree" all I get are pictures and sites relating to Japanese Aucuba.

The picture I have is at the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.

[Eric in Orlando]

That is Neolitsea sericea, Silver Tree. A great tree for zones 8-9 and probably into 10.