Description
Alseodaphne elmeri (also called Chinese Rice Flower, among many other common names) is a species of plant in the Lauraceae family. It is a shrub or small tree, up to 8 meters tall. It is native to Southeast Asia, and its habitats include tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests.
Uses & Benefits
Alseodaphne elmeri is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, colds, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Alseodaphne elmeri are small, white and grow in clusters. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are thin and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Alseodaphne elmeri is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 10 m tall. It has a dense, rounded crown and smooth, grey bark. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and dark green. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and appear in clusters in the spring. The fruit is a small, round, black drupe. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.