Discaria

A genus of small trees or shrubs closely allied to Colletia, and found chiefly in S. America. One almost hardy species is found in New Zealand, and the same or a nearly allied one in Tasmania and S. Australia. The leading characteristics of these plants are their large opposite spines, which are really reduced branches; their opposite or clustered leaves, and their numerous small, clustered, axillary flowers, of which a bell-shaped calyx is the most conspicuous part, the petals being often absent. Fruit a dry, three-lobed capsule.

The discarias like a sheltered, sunny position, ordinary garden soil, and they can be multiplied by means of cuttings taken in July and placed in a close frame.