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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Sophora tetraptera is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
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
Edwardsia grandiflora.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
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None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Wood
Wood - compact, dense, heavy, of great strength, tough, elastic, extremely durable. Used for bearings, turnery, cabinet work, ornamental uses etc[46, 61, 139].
Special Uses
Nitrogen Fixer
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[200]. Requires a warm sheltered position[202]. It grows best in the warmer areas of the country where the wood will be more readily ripened and better able to withstand winter cold[219]. Hardy to about -10°c[200], it succeeds in the open in southern and south-western Britain but is best grown against a wall elsewhere[11, 184]. Plants are of slow to moderate growth[202]. In good summers plants set abundant seed in this country[219]. Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well[219]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[200]. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse[78]. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year. Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame[11]. Air-layering[200].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
AUSTRALASIA: New Zealand (North Island)
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
J.F.Mill.
Botanical References
1144200
Links / References
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