From New Zealand, a slender shrub or tree, to 10 ft, that is, surprisingly, in the violet family. Leaves are small and narrow on stiff, angular branches with sharp spines. Summer flowers are yellow tinged with purple and fragrant followed by autumn berries that are white-stained-purple, hanging down in great abundance. Amaze your friends– yes! a shrubby violet. Sun to part shade with at least occasional summer water. Frost hardy to USDA zone 8b.

MAHOE

Violaceae