Euclea crispa, commonly known as Blue Guarri, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats in southern Africa, including open or dense bushveld, woodland, stream banks, and rocky outcrops. It is found at middle to high altitudes in regions such as central South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, and the uplands of tropical Africa. Blue Guarri can vary greatly in size, typically reaching heights of 7 to 66 feet (2 to 20 meters) with a much-branched structure and dull bluish-green foliage. The leaves are leathery and often have a wavy margin. Small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers bloom in clusters, followed by black, berry-like fruits that are favored by birds.

Blue Guarri is valued for its hardiness and drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens. Its dense growth habit and tolerance of pruning make it an excellent choice for hedges or screens in landscaping. Additionally, the plant’s ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and its low maintenance requirements contribute to its popularity in cultivation. It can grow in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. While it is not commonly known for its flowers, the berries provide a source of food for wildlife, and the foliage offers year-round interest.CC BY-SA 4.0