Lindera megaphylla

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

Lindera megaphylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. 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). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Not known

E. Asia - S. and S.W. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The aromatic leaves are used as incense.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a lime-free rather moist soil. Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight in a fertile moisture-retentive soil enriched with leafmould. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants succeed outdoors at Kew, where there is a specimen 6 metres tall, though they are rather more tender when young. Plants are much smaller in cultivation than they are in the wild, often making no more than a shrub. The leaves are very aromatic. Plants can be pruned right back to the base if required, though any drastic pruning is best spread over several seasons. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Give some protection from cold for at least the plants first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Benzoin grandifolium.