Koda Tree
Ehretia acuminata

Family: Ehretiaceae

What it is like

Ehretia acuminata is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 9

Where it is found

Woodlands in valleys to 1500 metres in W. China.

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. About the size of a pea, it is insipidly sweet when fully ripe. The fruit is about 4mm in diameter. The unripe fruit is sometimes used as a pickle.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of fevers.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

Wood - light, tough, soft and easily worked. Used for carrying poles.

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

Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Tolerates calcareous soils. Requires a sheltered position. Plants are shade tolerant in continental climates but they require more sun in maritime areas in order to ripen the wood. Rich fertile soils encourage soft sappy growth which is then more susceptible to winter damage. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. A tree at Kew was 6 metres tall in 1989. This species is much confused with E. ovalifolia.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

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

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. serrata. Roxb.