ID please

Zoe P2

I found this plant growing by my compost bins, which, in situ, looks like a potential shrub.  As its position makes it difficult for a clear picture, I cut off one of its branches and placed it in a pot of gravel for me to photograph properly.

The leaf looks somewhat familiar to me but I have no idea what exactly it is.

I would be grateful for any help.

Thank you.

Zoe P2

Here is another picture of it, a little less zoomed in and with the light on it.

Hope it helps!

ERICS MUM

At first I thought it might be a germinated avocado stone but after googling an image I’m not sure.

no help at all, sorry !

Phaidra

Hi Zoe

I'm, probably, the least knowledgeable gardener on the planet, but I was wondering if that's a viburnum of some kind.  It sort of looks a bit familiar to me too. 

However, I'm sure someone here knows exactly what it is and will come to your aid.  There are many kind and generous posters here.

fidgetbones

Erics mum, I thought exactly the same.  Can we see a photo of the original plant? I doubt an avocado would survive a winter outside, and if it has branched it is probably more than a year old.  The other thing with leaves like that is a magnolia.

Sam 37

Hi Zoe

I think Phaidra is right.  My mother-in-law had a whole hedge of these which were constantly attacked by something and year after year would end up with lacy leaves!  The new leaves were at first lush and green, like your plant, but they would soon become rather unsightly.  She got tired of it and had the whole thing removed.

On the other hand, it may well be a magnolia, as Fidget says.

Zoe P2

Ericsmum, Phaidra, Fidgetbones and Sam, Thank you very much for your replies.  I'm pretty sure it's not a magnolia or an avocado.  I grew one of the latter a few years ago, so I remember it well.

I googled hedging viburnum and it seems that's what it is.

Again, thank you all for your help.

Paul B3

At first glance it looks like Viburnum tinus .

Zoe P2

Yes, it apparently is, Paul.