Ligustrm is a genus of some 50 spp, from Europe, North Africa and Asia including the Himalayas. L. vulgare is a frequent native in Britain which used to be planted for hedging but has generally been supplanted by L. ovalifolium which is retains its leaves better, and has a bright yellow variety. L. ovalifolium originates from Japan. It can form large bushes when allowed and has clusters of creamy white flowers. The fruit are eaten by birds and the bushes support a number of moths. It has become invasive in North America and Australia and New Zealand.
