This unusual and extremely rare evergreen tree has been a great success story for us, grown from seed. However quickly this member of the laurel family has grown in the nursery (6-8 feet in only 2-3 years) we are still not sure how well it will do outside and how hardy it will prove to be. Originating from China, Tibet and Myanmar there is no reason to suppose it will not be perfectly hardy. A synonym name is Persea bracteata and it is certainly true that the leaves of this tree are not at all dissimilar to the perfectly hardy species of Persea (avocado), which are also from the Lauraceae family.
In the wild the trees apparently grow to 90 feet in height. The new growth on branches is greenish when young and brownish when more mature. The leaves are long, elliptic and leathery.
We have yet to see flowers on these plants but understand that they are upright panicles of pale green or yellowish-green flowers. followed by oblong dark blue fruits.
Still awaiting images.