Viburnum odoratissimum, the sweet viburnum, is a shrub or small tree in the family Viburnaceae. It is native to Asia, and commonly cultivated as a garden ornamental elsewhere.
Description
It grows to 9 metres high and has dull elliptical leaves to 20 cm long. In spring it produces pyramid-shaped clusters of fragrant white flowers, followed by red berries that age to black.
Distribution and habitat The species is native to China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Himalayan region in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki, now considered by some authorities to be its own species, Viburnum awabuki, and with glossy leaves, is native to Korea (Jeju Island), Taiwan, and Japan.
Cultivation The species prefers warm, frost-free climates.
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