As of Autumn 2020, the taxonomy and classification of Daphniphyllum is very confused and much in need of a comprehensive revision. The biggest problem is that the flowers, usually an important taxonomic character, are minuscule (in most cases less than 2 mm long), while the vegetative characters are all rather similar, but vary with population, habitat and situation - making them extremely uncooperative as subjects for study in the herbarium. Here we follow the treatment in Kew ‘Plants of the World’online database (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:15293-1)

Common Name:

General Information

Daphniphyllum macropodum is an evergreen shrub of bushy, rounded form, growing around 2.5 - 6 metres tall and as much wide, in age often becoming more tree-like to 10 metres or exceptionally to 20 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood, and perhaps also as a food. It is often grown as an ornamental, appreciated especially for the beauty of its foliage[],
Daphniphyllum macropodum has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major
threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

By the sides of streams in moist woods and forests; at elevations from 600 - 1,900 metres[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant, perhaps even down to -30°c for short periods[].
Prefers a sheltered position in sun to semi-shade, with a well-drained, moist fertile soil. Moisture is particularly important in the growing season[]. Succeeds in any good soil, tolerating lime but perhaps not suitable for very chalky soils[]. A useful plant for moist shady positions[]. Dislikes cold drying winds.
A very ornamental plant[].
This species is very closely related to Daphnephyllum himalense and possibly no more than a sub-species of that species[].
The flowers are very small but have a pungent aroma[]. They are produced in racemes on the previous year's wood[].
A dioecious species, both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked. A 'New Year's green'[]. (This quite possibly relates to the Chinese new year which begins in February)

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is soft, close and even grained. A very handsome wood, it is used for construction, furniture, turnery, carving etc[, ]. The wood of the roots is especially handsome, it is deep red in colour[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of moderately ripened wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel or at a junction with old wood, July in individual pots in a frame. The cuttings are slow to root, give them brisk bottom heat[]. Fair percentage[].
Layering of current seasons growth, 12cm long in mid summer to early autumn. Takes 12 - 18 months. High percentage[].