Sarcococca
This is a useful evergreen shrub that provides sweet fragrance during the winter when we are in great need of it. Native to Asia, the common name is"sweet box", although most people refer to it simply as sarcococca. The botanical name comes from the Greek words 'sarcos' (flesh) and kokkos (berry), referring to the fleshy fruits.
Two types are most commonly grown, both having shiny dark green leaves: S. hookeriana humilis and S. ruscifolia. The first is a lower growing (1 to 2 feet) shrub which produces blue-black fruits. The latter grows from 2 to 4 feet and its fruits are reddish.
Doing best in the milder winters of the west coast and south, Sarcococca is ideal for shady parts of the garden, and its fragrant white flowers makes it especially suited for plantings near an entryway.