Description
Chionanthus quadristamineus (also called Four-stamen Fringe Tree, among many other common names) is a deciduous tree native to China and Japan. It grows up to 15 meters in height and has an oval to rounded crown. Its leaves are obovate to oblong-lanceolate, with a serrated margin. It is found in moist forests, thickets, and along streams.
Uses & Benefits
Chionanthus quadristamineus is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a hedge plant, as it is very easy to prune and maintain. The plant is also used as a medicinal plant, as its leaves and bark are used to treat various ailments, including fever, colds, and digestive problems.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Chionanthus quadristamineus is white, with four petals and four sepals. The seed is a small, black, ovoid drupe. The seedlings are small, with a single stem and a pair of opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Chionanthus quadristamineus can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layering. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and rooted in a moist soil mix. Layering can be done by burying a branch in the soil and allowing it to root before cutting it away from the parent plant.
Where to Find Chionanthus quadristamineus
Chionanthus quadristamineus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela.