Ternstroemia japonica

Family: Theaceae

What it is like

Ternstroemia japonica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3.5

Where it is found

Forests and thickets at elevations of 200 - 2800 metres in southern and western China.

E. Asia - China, Japan and the Himalayas where it grows at elevations of 1,200 - 1,500 metres.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root and the stem bark are astringent. They are used in the treatment of dysentery. The leaves are used in the treatment of malaria.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Other

Rating:

Used as a screening or hedging plant.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Requires a lime-free soil and a sheltered position. Succeeds in a fertile humus-rich well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in part shade. Succeeds in north-facing sites. Generally considered to be a tender shrub, but it tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c if the wood has been well-ripened and succeeds outdoors in the mildest maritime areas of Britain. Any pruning is best carried out in spring.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Grow the young plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half ripe wood, August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge; North Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. gymnanthera. (Wight.&Arn.)Sprague.