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Symplocos sumuntia - Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don.

Common Name
Family Symplocaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woods, 1000 - 1300 metres in W. Hupeh[109]. Mixed forests at elevations of 100 - 1800 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Symplocos sumuntia


Symplocos sumuntia

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Symplocos sumuntia is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to October, and the seeds ripen from June to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Symplocos sumuntiia. Symplocos prunifolia. Sieb.&Zucc.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked. A sweetish/sour taste[178]. The leaves are also used as a food colouring and a flavouring[177]. Seed[178]. No more details are given.

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.
Dysentery

The leaves are used in the treatment of dysentery[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A purplish/black dye is obtained from the plant, it does not require a mordant[178]. No more details are given, the dye is probably obtained from the leaves[K]. A decoction with ginger is used as a parasiticide and is effective against fleas[178, 213]. The part used is not specified[K]. We have no specific information for this species but many species in this genus contain alum and can be used as mordants when dyeing[168].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained fertile neutral to acid soil[182, 200]. Self-sterile, it needs cross-pollination with a different plant in the same species if seed and fruit are to be produced[182]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame in late winter, it can take 12 months to germinate[11]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in individual pots in a cold frame[78, 200]. Roots are formed in about 4 weeks. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hainan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India (Meghalaya, Nagaland, West Bengal, Manipur), Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia (Pahang)

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Symplocos microcalyx Shrub4.0 -  LMHNM101
Symplocos paniculataAsiatic Sweetleaf, Sapphire-berryShrub4.0 4-8  LMHNM122
Symplocos tinctoriaSweet Leaf, Common sweetleafShrub8.0 0-0  LMHSNM212

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

Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don.

Botanical References

58266

Links / References

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