Common Name:

General Information

Edgeworthia chrysantha is a much-branched deciduous shrub that can grow around 70 - 200cm tall[, , ].
An excellent quality fibre is obtained from the bark and used especially for making high quality paper. The plant is cultivated for this purpose in China, Japan and Korea, whilst it is also harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. The plant is also grown as an ornamental., valued especially for its scented flowers in early spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - northern Myanmar, southeast China.

Habitat

Slopes in forests and shrubberies, along streamsides, at elevations from 300 - 1,600 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Edgeworthia chrysantha is native to the warm temperate zone of souhern China, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,600 metres. Reports vary on cold tolerance, but it seems that the plant can tolerate occasional short-lived periods with temperatures falling to around -5 to -15°c[, ]. The spring flowers and young leaves are less hardy, and more susceptible to frost damage, so in areas subject to early spring frosts the plant is best grown in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
The plant succeeds in any soil in sun or part shade[, , ], growing well in light woodland[]. It prefers a well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season[, ].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be put into their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
This species is cultivated in Japan and Korea for the bark fibre that is made into a high class paper[, , ]. The stems are harvested every second year in one report[], every three years according to another[].
The flowers diffuse a pronounced clove-like perfume and will scent the air to some distance on a calm day[].
This species is very closely related to and scarcely distinct from Edgeworthia gardneri[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The sliced root is used as a remedy for eye diseases[, ].

Other Uses

A high-class paper is obtained from the bark fibre[, , , ]. Paper made from the barl has different uses but is especially popular for calligraphy and printing as it allows fine strokes, as well as for craftwork, bank notes, domestic purposes etc[]..
The stems are harvested in spring or early summer, the leaves are removed and the stems steamed until the fibres can be stripped. The outer bark is removed from the inner by peeling or scraping. The fibres are cooked for 2 hours with soda ash and then beaten with mallets or put through a blender. The paper is off white in colour[, ].
The stems are extremely supple and can be tied in simple knots without breaking[, , ].

The bark contains compounds that can be used as an insect repellent[]..

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Place the pot in a plastic bag to keep it moist[]. The seed might germinate in the spring, though it could take another 12 months. Stored seed usually requires 8 - 12 weeks warm stratification at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c[]. Germination can still take 12 months or more at 15°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and grow on in a greenhouse for at least a year before planting out in late spring or early summer[]. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings in spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].