Wonder Tree, Idesia
Idesia polycarpa

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 12-15 m high. It has a broad crown spreading to 6 m wide. The leaves are large and heart shaped. They are 20 cm long and almost as wide. They taper to the tip. The leaves are dark green above and blue-white underneath and have red stalks. Plants are separately male and female. The flowers are greenish and have a scent. Female plants produce fruit in large hanging clusters. The fruit are pea sized berries. They turn red in autumn.

There is only one Idesia species. Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.

Where it is found

It is native to China and Japan. It suits a cool to warm temperate climate. They can grow in sun or light shade. They need a moderately fertile and moist but well drained soil. It needs to be neutral or acid. It is frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Slovenia, Taiwan

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or cuttings. If seed are used the plant may be male or female. It can be pruned when young to give a single trunk.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cathayeia polycarpa;