Skimmia japonica Skimmia

A compact bushy shrub with thick, leathery leaves. It produces clusters of fragrant white flowers early in the year which give rise to red berries that persist into winter. The previous season's berries and flowers are often present on the same plant. It is a member of the Rutaceae and, like other members of this family, the sap from the leaves contain furanocoumarin compounds (psoralens), which in contact with exposed skin can cause phytophotodermatitis in sunny weather. It is commonly planted and grown in gardens and parks but is not found wild in West Glamorgan.