genus of about eight species of shrubs, of the heath family (Ericaceae), native to North America and eastern Asia. Species such as L. fontanesiana are grown as ornamentals, chiefly for their large, usually evergreen leaves and the white (sometimes tinged with pink) flowers. The plants grow to about 1.8 metres (6 feet) in height. The leaves are alternate and have short 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.