Phellodendron chinense Seeds | Chinese Cork Tree
LATIN NAME: Phellodendron chinense
COMMON NAME: Chinese Cork Tree
Plant Profile
Chinese Cork Tree (Phellodendron chinense) grows as a handsome, upright, open, deciduous tree in the rue family, native to warm forests of the central and the western China, while it is prized for its long history of traditional use. In rue family it is corky-barked, pinnate-leaved tree of warm forests, a species whose bark has been part of old practice of east for generations. In good conditions it grows to around Twenty metres. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Phellodendron chinense ranges from the botany of the rue family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. The Chinese cork tree bark is a familiar subject in traditional plant chemistry of the eastern Asia, and constituents have been examined with greatest care by researchers across the world. In the laboratory and trial ground alike, it serves as workable material for propagation research and line selection.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Chinese Cork Tree earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In warm garden, the Chinese cork tree is corky-barked tree of open spot. Its small flowers feed insects, its black, aromatic fruits feed birds, and open, leafy crown gives garden a fine, light shade. Corky bark has served traditional ways of region, and tree grows well in moist, well-drained ground of sunny spot. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Phellodendron bark, Huang Bai, is a major Chinese heat-clearing herb rich in berberine, studied for antimicrobial and metabolic effects; the corky tree is also a handsome drought-tough shade tree.
Growing from Seed
Starting Chinese Cork Tree from seed is simple and satisfying. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide bright light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Chinese Cork Tree repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Chinese Cork Tree often pair it with these related subjects: