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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Alangium chinense is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
A begoniifolia. Marlea begoniifolia. Stylidium chinense.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Secondary;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Oil
Edible Uses: Oil
None known
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Blood tonic Carminative Contraceptive
This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. The roots and the stems are a blood tonic, carminative and contraceptive[147]. They are used in the treatment of rheumatism, numbness, traumatic injuries, wounds and snakebites[147]. A decoction of the leafy shoots is said to be tonic[218]. A paste of the roots is applied to the area around dislocated bones to help them setting[272]. The shoot, rootbark and whole plant are all used medicinally[218].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Oil
An oil extracted from the seeds is used for lighting lamps[272].
Special Uses
Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil[200]. Requires full sun and a sheltered position[200]. Not very frost tolerant[200], this species is likely to be on the borderlines of hardiness even if obtained from its higher provenances[11]. However, although the top growth will be killed back in all but the mildest winters, the plant will usually resprout from the base in the spring and will usually flower in the summer[245]. These flowers are sweetly scented[245]. This species is closely related to A. platinifolium[200]. Although a fair sized tree in its native habitat, it is unlikely to make more than a shrub more than 2 metres tall in Britain[245]. It does not require pruning[245].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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Propagation
Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame[200].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Lour.)Harms.
Botanical References
11200
Links / References
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