Cornus hongkongensis is highly variable in vegetative morphology and has at times been divided into several species on the basis of minor differences, such as pubescence and the shape and size of various parts. The
variation overlaps, but is also more or less associated with geographic distribution. To recognize this pattern, Xiang (Bull. Bot. Res., Harbin 7(2): 33–52. 1987) recognized six subspecies within Cornus hongkongensis. This treatment needs to be reevaluated with further data from both the field and laboratory[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cornus hongkongensis is an evergreens shrub or a tree usually growing from 3 - 15 metres tall, occasionally reaching 25 metres[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for mainly local use as a food and source of materials. The fruit is sometimes sold in local markets[], and the plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental/.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Vietnam, Laos

Habitat

Thickets, broad-leaved evergreen forests, roadsides, by streams, valleys, slopes and forests; at elevations from 200 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cornus hongkongensis is not a very cold-hardy tree, tolerating temperatures down to around -5°c when dormant. It grows best in areas with hot summers and plenty of moisture, which encourages flowering and fruit set[].
Succeeds in full sun or light shade[[]. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility[], ranging from acid to shallow chalk[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. Eaten raw and used for making wine[]. In some forms, the fruit is sweet and tasty[]. The subspecies Cornus hongkongensis ferruginea has been particularly mentioned - its fruit is at the lower end of the size range but it is sweeter than other forms[]. Cornus hongkongensis gigantea has the largest fruits, though the quality is not mentioned in this report[].
The red or yellowish red, globose, compound fruit is around 15 - 25mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The hard wood is used as a building material and for making agricultural implements[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed[, ]. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors[, ]. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year[]. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification[, ]. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more[]. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage[].
Layering of new growth in early summer/July. Takes 9 months[].