Status:
valid
Authors:
(Blume) Boerl.
Source:
ksu
Year:
1900
Citation Micro:
Handl. Fl. Ned. Ind. 3: 143 (1900)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000365390
Common Names
- Cuspidata Litsea
- Cuspidata Mayflower
- Cuspidata Mountain May
Synonyms
- Malapoenna cuspidata Kuntze [unknown]
- Tetranthera cuspidata Blume [unknown]
- Cylicodaphne cuspidata Blume ex Meisn. [unknown]
Description
Litsea cuspidata (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 cuspidata 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 cuspidata 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 cuspidata is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 m in height. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring in a warm, sheltered spot. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn and planted in a well-drained, sandy soil.
Where to Find Litsea cuspidata
Litsea cuspidata is native to China and can be found in moist forests and along streams.
Litsea cuspidata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Litsea cuspidata?
Litsea cuspidata
What is the common name of Litsea cuspidata?
Cuspidate Litsea
What is the natural habitat of Litsea cuspidata?
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,