Phillyrea latifolia

A very characterful small evergreen tree for Mediterranean effect, making a rounded, dense, bushy tree or large shrub with excellent cloud-like crown form, enhanced by the small, black-green, leathery foliage contrasting with pale beige bark on an olive-like trunk. Small white flowers in spring are borne profusely. Often used in period plantings. Fully hardy and very drought tolerant. It's difficult to describe quite how good this is.