What plant is Japanese golden-leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense 'Variegatum', also known as Golden Privet)?
Characteristics: Also known as Howardi privet, it is a plant variety in the genus Ligustrum of the family Oleaceae. It is an evergreen small tree with greenish drooping branches bearing white spots. The leaves are opposite, simple, ovate; the young leaves are golden yellow, and the leaves are thick and leathery with a bright luster, with ornamental value clearly superior to yellow-leaved varieties such as golden-leaf privet and golden-leaf boxwood. It has good resistance, tolerates cold and high temperatures, and has strong adaptability. It bears panicle inflorescences with white flowers. The fruit is dark purple and elliptical. It is suitable for cultivation in East China, South China, Central China and other regions. It is ideal for planting as color blocks, hedges and spheres, and is the best substitute variety for golden-leaf privet.