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Common Name:

General Information

Loropetalum chinense is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 2.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas to China and Japan.

Habitat

Rocky hills and dry open woods, often on limestone[, ]. Stream banks, hilly slopes and roadsides[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a rich well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade[]. Requires a lime-free humus-rich soil[]. One report says that it succeeds on a sheltered north wall[] whilst another says that it needs a sunny position[] and another says it needs warm summers[]. Prefers a cool root run[].
This species is not very cold-hardy in Britain, it is also slow growing[]. It succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[]. Plants do not flower well if the temperature drops below 5°c[]. The Japanese form of this species might be hardier[]. Plants grow taller in their native habitat, reaching a height of 3 metres[].
The flowers emit a delicate sweet perfume[].
Some named forms have been developed in Japan for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The whole plant is depurative, haemostatic and pectoral[]. A decoction is used in the treatment of coughing in tuberculosis, dysentery, enteritis etc[, ]. The leaves can be crushed and pulverised for external application on wounds[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in a warm greenhouse 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. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[]. Fair to good percentage[].
Layering in the spring[].