Machilus thunbergii Seeds | Red Machilus
LATIN NAME: Machilus thunbergii
COMMON NAME: Red Machilus
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Red Machilus (Machilus thunbergii) is a tall, dense, evergreen tree in the laurel family. It steadily establishes a rounded crown, eventually 5-10 metres tall. Give it full sun and deep, fertile ground. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Machilus thunbergii ranges from the botany of the laurel family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. The Japanese bay tree has a genuine and interesting record in both traditional and modern research. For practical purposes the message is encouraging: generations of cultivation have produced plants of predictable, well-mannered garden character.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Red Machilus for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, the Japanese bay tree is a generous tree of the eastern Asian forest. Its small flowers feed bees and other pollinators, its dark fruits feed birds, and its dense evergreen canopy gives shelter and nesting sites for wildlife throughout the year. Its economic value is real and varied. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Machilus species are fine evergreen timber and landscape trees of Asia; their aromatic wood appears in folk practice and craft.
Growing from Seed
Starting Red Machilus from seed is simple and satisfying. Growing a Japanese bay tree from seed is easy and very rewarding. Seeds sit inside small, dark fruits, and they are best sown fresh, since they lose vigour quickly. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in full sun until the seedlings are well up. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Once established, Red Machilus largely looks after itself. Careful watering early on is rewarded by toughness at maturity.
Related Reading
Continue exploring with these related plants: