Euclea divinorum
Diamond-leaved Euclea · Magic Guarri
Description
Source: leafsnapEuclea divinorum, commonly known as the Diviner's Bush, is a small evergreen shrub belonging to the Ebenaceae family. Native to southern Africa, it thrives in diverse habitats such as savannas, woodlands, and rocky outcrops. The plant features a dense growth habit with dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are leathery in texture. The Diviner's Bush produces fragrant small white flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. These flowers are followed by small black berries that ripen in summer and fall. While the berries are edible, they have a bitter taste. Traditionally, indigenous people have used Euclea divinorum for medicinal purposes, including treating stomach ailments, fever, headaches, and respiratory infections. Some cultures also attribute spiritual properties to the plant, using it for divination. For optimal growth, Euclea divinorum requires full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, but patience is needed as it grows slowly. Overall, Euclea divinorum is an intriguing plant with cultural significance due to its traditional medicinal uses among the indigenous people of southern Africa, along with its spiritual importance in some cultures.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun
Magic guarri comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest margins, which provide ample light. It does best in Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Magic guarri is native to tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high heat and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a consistent temperature, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and requires warmer conditions for growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer
Fertilizing is essential for the care of the Magic guarri. Regular feeding during the growing season preserves the energy needed for its showy leaves and promotes overall growth. Failing to fertilize can lead to unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental value, and stunted or weak growth that is more prone to breakage.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Euclea
- Family
- Ebenaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 7.92 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Cream
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter
- Planting Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
- Native Area
- Malawi, Somalia, Angola, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Rwanda, Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Mozambique, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Congo (DRC), Botswana