Pseudopanax crassifolius

The Lancewood from New Zealand has an unmistakable growth form. For years as a youth it grows strongly upward with very slim evergreen leaves up to 60cm long pointing rigidly downwards at an angle. Usually dark purple-brown-green, they become much shorter in adulthood when the plant changes into a dense lollipop-shaped tree. Survived winter 2010 in Oxfordshire!