Status:
valid
Authors:
Merr.
Source:
ksu
Year:
1922
Citation Micro:
J. Straits Branch Roy. Asiat. Soc. 85: 192 (1922)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000365388
Common Names
- Cuprea Litsea
- Cuprea Mayflower
- Cuprea Mountain May
Description
Litsea cuprea (also called Chinese May Chang, among many other common names) is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to China and Taiwan. It has a rounded crown and a short trunk. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate with a pointed tip. It grows in forests, thickets, and along streams in its native regions.
Uses & Benefits
Litsea cuprea is used as an ornamental plant, for its fragrant flowers and its edible fruits. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Litsea cuprea is white or yellowish-white, with a diameter of about 2 cm. The seed is small, dark brown, and has a diameter of about 1 mm. The seedlings are small and have a single cotyledon.
Cultivation and Propagation
Litsea cuprea is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 20 feet. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood and kept in a warm, humid environment until rooted.
Where to Find Litsea cuprea
Litsea cuprea is native to China and can be found in moist forests and along streams.
Litsea cuprea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Litsea cuprea?
Litsea cuprea
What is the common name of Litsea cuprea?
Copper Litsea
What is the natural habitat of Litsea cuprea?
Tropical and subtropical moist forests
Species in the Litsea genus
Litsea luzonica,
Litsea venulosa,
Litsea versteeghii,
Litsea virens,
Litsea vitiensis,
Litsea verticillata,
Litsea unita,
Litsea urdanetensis,
Litsea vanoverberghii,
Litsea variabilis,
Litsea xantophylla,
Litsea whiteana,
Litsea whitfordii,
Litsea anamo,
Litsea andreana,
Litsea areolata,
Litsea anomala,
Litsea boerlagei,
Litsea alba,
Litsea amicorum,
Litsea albida,
Litsea alleniana,
Litsea alveolata,
Litsea artocarpifolia,
Litsea albayana,
Litsea bernhardensis,
Litsea bennettii,
Litsea baruringensis,
Litsea beusekomii,
Litsea bainingensis,
Litsea assamica,
Litsea aurea,
Litsea auricolor,
Litsea australis,
Litsea barringtonioides,
Litsea brookeana,
Litsea buinensis,
Litsea burckelloides,
Litsea caroli,
Litsea calophylla,
Litsea calophyllantha,
Litsea carrii,
Litsea aban-gibotii,
Litsea cambodiana,
Litsea accedentoides,
Litsea chartacea,
Litsea acrantha,
Litsea castanea,
Litsea catubigensiskos,
Litsea ceramensis,
Species in the Lauraceae family
Actinodaphne acuminata,
Actinodaphne albifrons,
Actinodaphne amabilis,
Actinodaphne ambigua,
Actinodaphne archboldiana,
Actinodaphne areolata,
Actinodaphne bicolor,
Actinodaphne borneensis,
Actinodaphne bourdillonii,
Actinodaphne bourneae,
Actinodaphne brassii,
Actinodaphne caesia,
Actinodaphne campanulata,
Actinodaphne candolleana,
Actinodaphne celebica,
Actinodaphne cinerea,
Actinodaphne concinna,
Actinodaphne concolor,
Actinodaphne corymbosa,
Actinodaphne crassa,
Actinodaphne cupularis,
Actinodaphne diversifolia,
Actinodaphne dolichophylla,
Actinodaphne elegans,
Actinodaphne ellipticibacca,
Actinodaphne engleriana,
Actinodaphne ferruginea,
Actinodaphne forrestii,
Actinodaphne fragilis,
Actinodaphne fuliginosa,
Actinodaphne furfuracea,
Actinodaphne glabra,
Actinodaphne glauca,
Actinodaphne glaucina,
Actinodaphne glomerata,
Actinodaphne gracilis,
Actinodaphne henryi,
Actinodaphne hirsuta,
Actinodaphne hypoleucophylla,
Actinodaphne javanica,
Actinodaphne johorensis,
Actinodaphne kinabaluensis,
Actinodaphne koshepangii,
Actinodaphne kostermansii,
Actinodaphne kweichowensis,
Actinodaphne lanata,
Actinodaphne lanceolata,
Actinodaphne latifolia,
Actinodaphne lawsonii,
Actinodaphne lecomtei,