Euodia fraxinifolia

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

Euodia fraxinifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Second-growth forests, 1200 - 2100 metres in the eastern Himalayas.

E. Asia - Himalayas from Nepal to Sikkim.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - cooked. Used in chutney. A disagreeable aromatic smell. The red fruits are about 12mm in diameter. Another report says that it is the seeds that are used to add flavour and taste to lentil soups, fresh pickles, vegetables and curries.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is used as an antipyretic. The fruit is antipyretic and is used in the treatment of dysentery.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Other

Rating: 3

An oil from the seed is used in lighting. An aromatic oil from the fruit is used in perfumery. The wood is used in construction.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

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.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, preferring a good loamy soil. This report suggests that the plant might be hardy in Britain but gives no details. According to one report, this species is not frost tolerant and so cannot be grown outdoors in Britain.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February in a greenhouse. Variable germination rates. 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. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood (preferably forced in a greenhouse), 5 - 8cm with a heel, June to August in a warm greenhouse. Fair to good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 9-11

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tetradium trichotomum.