Alangium chinense

Family: Alangiaceae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 8

Where it is found

Upland thickets in W. China. Open places around villages at elevations of 300 - 2400 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - India to C. China

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 3

This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. The roots and the stems are a blood tonic, carminative and contraceptive. They are used in the treatment of rheumatism, numbness, traumatic injuries, wounds and snakebites. A decoction of the leafy shoots is said to be tonic. A paste of the roots is applied to the area around dislocated bones to help them setting. The shoot, rootbark and whole plant are all used medicinally.

Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.

Other

Rating: 2

An oil extracted from the seeds is used for lighting lamps.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil. Requires full sun and a sheltered position. Not very frost tolerant, this species is likely to be on the borderlines of hardiness even if obtained from its higher provenances. 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. These flowers are sweetly scented. This species is closely related to A. platinifolium. 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. It does not require pruning.

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A begoniifolia. Marlea begoniifolia. Stylidium chinense.