Common Name: Nepalese Paper Bush

General Information

Edgeworthia gardneri is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow 3 - 4 metres tall with long, straight, sparsely-branched side stems[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild and also cultivated for local use as a source of fibre[, ]. It is said to be the best of the various species that are used to make hand made paper in the Himalayas[]. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its scented flowers in early spring[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Nepal, Bhutan, northeast India, northern Myanmar, southern China (eastern Xizang, northwest Yunnan), northern Vietnam

Habitat

Forests, shrubberies and moist places; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,500 metres, occasionally to 3, 500 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Edgeworthia gardneri is native to the Himalayas, where it can be found mainly at elevations up to 2,500 metres, though sometimes as high as 3,500 metres. It requires hot summers to fully ripen its wood, but is generally reliably hardy down to about -5°c for short periods and perhaps as low as -15°c if growing in a well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered position[]. The flowers are damaged by frost so the plant is best grown in a position sheltered from early morning sun[].
Succeeds in any soil in sun or part shade, growing well in light woodland. Prefers a well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season.
Very closely related to and scarcely distinct from Edgeworthia chrysantha[].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be put into their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
This species is cultivated in the Himalayas for the paper that can be made from the bark[]. The stems are harvested every second year for this purpose[].
The flowers diffuse a pronounced clove-like perfume and will scent the air to some distance on a calm day[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A high-class paper is made from the bark[, , ]. The bark fibres are used. This species is said to be the best of the various species that are used to make hand made paper in the Himalayas[].
The stems are extremely supple and can be tied in simple knots without breaking[].

The grey wood is light in weight and soft, with little lustre[].

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[].