Korean Honey Locust
Gleditsia koraiensis
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Gleditsia koraiensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in). It is in leaf from June to October, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Near streams in low mountain elevations.
E. Asia - Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The flesh inside the mature seedpod can be eaten.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The fruit and the spines contain a number of medically active constituents including saponins and flavonoids. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and expectorant, and have shown anti-HIV activity. They are used in Korea in the treatment of coughs, constipation and liver diseases. They should not be used by pregnant women since they have a stimulant effect upon the uterus and could induce a miscarriage.
Abortifacient: Causes an abortion.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Wood - strong, durable, coarse-grained.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species is not recognised as distinct in the International Lgume Database and is more geerally viewed as a sub-species of G. japonica. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a loamy soil, requiring a sunny position. Succeeds in most soils. Tolerates drought once established and atmospheric pollution. Trees have a light canopy, they come into leaf late in the spring and drop their leaves in early autumn making them an excellent top storey tree in a woodland garden. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in a greenhouse. The seed should have swollen up, in which case it can be sown, if it has not swollen then soak it for another 24 hours in warm water. If this does not work then file away some of the seed coat but be careful not to damage the embryo. Further soaking should then cause the seed to swell. One it has swollen, the seed should germinate within 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual deep pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist