A neat tree suitable for small gardens. The beautiful Blue guarri is a dense canopied evergreen tree or shrub with blue-green foliage. In South Africa, this tree has a wide natural distribution in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Euclea crispa can be found in the bushveld, as well as in protected areas within grasslands, along the edges of forests, and frequently in rocky locations on slopes facing both north and south.

Reaching a mature height of 2 to 6m, depending on climatic conditions, this low-branching tree either grows as a single-stemmed small tree or a multi-stemmed shrub. The bark is smooth and rusty brown in young branches and trees. On mature specimens, it becomes grey to dark brown and breaks into uneven block-like shapes. Euclea crispa is frequently mistaken for Buddleja saligna and Olea europaea subsp africana because of its similar leaf structure. From spring to summer [from October to February], this tree produces bell-shaped flowers that range from whitish green to yellow. These blossoms emit a sweet scent that attracts bees. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. The flowers are followed by black fruits that are edible to humans, birds, and mammals.

Euclea crispa makes an excellent natural barrier against wind and as a privacy screen. It can also offer protective cover for more delicate plant species. This tree’s neat growth habit makes it a perfect fit for smaller gardens. Its wide canopy not only provides shelter to birds and animals but also fills the air with a lovely fragrance in the spring and summer.

Once established, this tree becomes resilient to drought and frost. It can grow in environments with full sunlight as well as those with partial shade. Euclea is a member of the Ebony Family, and in South Africa, there are 35 species belonging to this family, all of which are characterized by their slow growth, either as trees or shrubs.