Common Name:

General Information

Meliosma alba is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental. This species is said to be one of the most handsome and most striking of Chinese trees; when flowering (mostly before the leaves appear!) the tree is covered with a mass of creamy-white flowers, and forms astriking object in the landscape[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China

Habitat

Humid dense or sparse forests; at elevations from 1,000 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	0.00 m
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Meliosma alba is not a very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to around -5°c when dormant. It can succeed outdoors in the mildest regions of the temperate zone.

The tree is often grown by wayside shrines and in temple grounds in China. It is often spared when forest is cleared in China, and is also sometimes planted there[].
The tree is sometimes grown as an ornamental in N. America and Europe[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

This species is a good source of timber for furniture[]. The wood has the consistency and appearance of soft maple (Acer rubrum) and is highly esteemed locally for making furniture[].

Propagation

Seed -