Hsienmu wood
Burretiodendron hsienmu

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Burretiodendron hsienmu is a slow growing flowering plant up to 40 m tall found in Vietnam and China. The wood of this species is highly valued for its characteristics - very hard, durable, tough, and resistant to termites. It is used in making chopping boards, boats, and as material in building houses. Found In: China (Guangxi, Yunnan) and nature reserves, including Ba Be National Park in Viet Nam.

Burretiodendron hsienmu is a deciduous Tree growing to 35 m (114ft) by 35 m (114ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 35

Where it is found

A canopy tree in lowland semi-deciduous woodland, sometimes as the dominant component.

E. Asia - southwest China, Vietnam.

Conservation Status: Burretiodendron hsienmu Status: Vulnerable A1cd

Countries/locations it is found in

Found In: China (Guangxi, Yunnan) and nature reserves, including Ba Be National Park in Viet Nam.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Other Uses: The wood is very hard. It is prized for making chopping boards and is also used in building houses and boats. The timber is highly valued, and in many parts of its range mature trees have become very scarce or been eliminated. Habitat loss and degradation have also contributed to the decline.

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

How it is grown

A slow-growing tree. Natural regeneration is observed to be strong in forest gaps.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Slow

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Burretiodendron hsienmu or Hsienmu wood.

Synonyms

Burretiodendron tonkinense (Gagnep.) Kosterm. Excentrodendron hsienmu (Chun & F.C.How) Hung T.Chang