LEUCOTHO

genus of about 50 species of shrubs, of the heath family (Ericaceae), native to North and South America and eastern Asia. Many species are grown as ornamentals, chiefly for their large, usually evergreen leaves and the white (sometimes tinged with pink) flowers. Most species grow to about 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height. The leaves are alternate and have short petioles (leaf stalks) and toothed edges. The urn-shaped flowers have five small teeth at the mouth and are borne in clusters along the branches or at the branch tips.