Ehretia acuminata is a widespread species with much variation. Chinese and Japanese plants named as Ehretia thyrsiflora are not specifically different from the Australian type, and the varieties recognized by Johnston (J. Arnold Arbor. 32: 21. 1951) show no geographical correlations. Attempts to subdivide the complex have not been successful, and it seems most appropriate to apply the specific epithet in a very wide sense[].
In total 7 varieties have been distinguished[].

Common Name: Kodowood

General Information

Ehretia acuminata is a small to large tree with a dense canopy, usually ranging in height from 3 - 15 metres, though specimens up to 30 metres have been recorded in Australia[, ]. Usually evergreen, though it can become deciduous in dry times[]. The bole is straight and cylindrical[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local used as a food, medicine and timber source[]. The tree is also used for roadside plantings[].
Ehretia acuminata 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, India, Bhutan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia.

Habitat

Woodlands in valleys to 1500 metres in W. China[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	9.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A very variable plant, found in the warm temperate to tropical zones.
Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in any well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter[]. Tolerates calcareous soils[]. Requires a sheltered position[]. Plants are shade tolerant in continental climates but they require more sun in maritime areas in order to ripen their wood[]. Rich fertile soils encourage soft sappy growth which is then more susceptible to winter damage[].
The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
A tree at Kew was 6 metres tall in 1989[].
This species is much confused with Ehretia ovalifolia[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , , , ]. The unripe fruit is sometimes used as a pickle[, ]. About the size of a pea, it is insipidly sweet when fully ripe[, ]. The immature fruit is pickled[]. The fruit is an orange-yellow to red globose drupe, 3 - 7mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of fevers[].

The leaves and branchlets are used in Chinese medicine[].

Other Uses

The wood is light in weight, tough, soft and easily worked. It is used for building, flooring, cabinet making and furniture, and traditionally for carrying poles[, , , , ].
The wood of var. polyantha is used in the Philippines for furniture, household utensils, carrying poles and other items requiring a strong tough wood[, ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. 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 half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.