Hemiptelea davidii
Family: Ulmaceae
What it is like
Hemiptelea davidii is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. 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
Hedges, loess banks, banks of soil and debris. Hill slopes and trailsides, often planted when found around houses, at elevations below 2000 metres.
E. Asia - China, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - cooked. Mixed with rice dumplings. The tender leaves make a good beverage.
Oil: Oil
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge, lenitive.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Lenitive: Soothing, palliative.
Other
Rating:
Plants are grown as a hedge in China. The fibre from the bark is used for manufacturing staple rayon and sacks. An oil is extracted from the seeds. The report does not say if the oil is edible, nor does it give any uses. Wood - hard. It is used for making utensils.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
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.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Prefers a deep moist loamy soil, succeeding in acid and alkaline conditions. Relatively shade tolerant. Plants are probably resistant to Dutch Elm disease. Plants can be hermaphrodite or monoecious.
Propagating it: Seed - best harvested as soon as it is ripe but before it has fully dried on the plant and sown immediately in a cold frame. Stored seed requires stratification and should be sown as soon as possible. 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. Seed can be stored cold and dry.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Hedge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist