Idesia
Idesia polycarpa

Family: Flacourtiaceae

What it is like

Idesia polycarpa is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. 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). and is pollinated by Insects. 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Hills and mountain forests above elevations of 2000 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is a many seeded berry with a pulpy flesh, it is about 10mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a neutral to slightly acid loamy soil, but tolerates a chalky sub-soil if the top soil is deep. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. The dormant plant is hardy to about -15°c, though the tree is somewhat hardier if the wood is thoroughly ripened by a long hot summer. The young shoots in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A very ornamental plant. The flowers have a most delicious perfume, which can be wafted far and wide by warm breezes. Trees produce fruit regularly at Kew. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed is required. Female plants can produce some fruit in the absence of a male plant.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually very good. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their fist two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring, after the last expected frosts and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Plants cannot be sexed until they flower. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair percentage. Layering in spring. Takes 12 months.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-8

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

Polycarpa maximowiczii.