This woody shrub or tree is growing under the assegaais by the Neelsie at the University of Stellenbosh in South Africa. What species is it?
1 Answer
This looks like Rhaphiolepis, a genus of mostly shrubs in the family Rosaceae. The two most widely cultivated species are R. umbellata and R. indica. These species are quite similar and easily confused. According to: http://keybase.rbg.vic.gov.au/keys/show/6559 they can be separated by the following characters.
Leaves serrate ------------------> R. indica Leaves entire or crenate ---> R. umbellata
Thanks to the good close up images provided, I think we can be fairly sure the specimen in question is Rhaphiolepis umbellata, as the leaves shown clearly have margins which are entire (smooth) to crenate (notched/ scalloped/ with rounded teeth) as opposed to serrate (sharp, saw like teeth).
Some links for further info:
https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/rhaphiolepis_umbellata.htm
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14464/i-Rhaphiolepis-umbellata-i/Details