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Common Name: Chinese Catalpa

General Information

Catalpa ovata is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - C. China.

Habitat

Open country and margins of woods to 2500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a good moist loamy soil and a sunny position that is not exposed[, ]. Tolerates heavy clay soils. Very resistant to atmospheric pollution[].
Plants are hardy to about -15°c, probably more in continental climates[], they grow best in areas with hot summers[]. Protect plants from late frosts when they are young[].
Transplants easily[].
The flowers are very fragrant[]. The bruised foliage has an aromatic fragrance[].
The flowers are considered to be one of the best bee plants in Japan[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Flowers and young pods - cooked[]. They are boiled and washed[]. (possibly in that order so as to remove any bitterness[])

Medicinal

The stems are diuretic (strongly)[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown outdoors, or in a cold frame, as soon as it is ripe[]. Stratify stored seed for 3 weeks at 1°c and sow in spring[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Softwood cuttings, 10cm long, in a frame. They should be taken in late spring to early summer before the leaves are fully developed[].
Root cuttings in winter[].