Debregeasia wallichiana
Family: Urticaceae
What it is like
Debregeasia wallichiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Found at elevations up to 2100 metres in the E. Himalayas. Subtropical forest slopes of limestone mountains; 800 m. S Yunnan, China.
E. Asia - Himalayas from western India to China, also in southern India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A fibre is obtained from the bark. It is used for making twine and rope.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
How it is grown
Prefers a fertile well-drained loam with some shelter at the hottest part of the day. This species is probably not very hardy in Britain and will probably require greenhouse protection, though it might be possible to grow it outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, especially if it is given the protection of a warm wall. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed and fruit is required.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter to mid-summer in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 months at 20°c. When they are 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 into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Softwood cuttings in early summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist