Common Name: Nagi

General Information

Nageia nagi is an evergreen shrub or tree usually growing 20 - 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be up to 80cm in diameter[, ].
Nageia nagi is a valuable timber tree, but its most common use is as an amenity tree in China and Japan, where it is found in many of the climatically milder parts of these countries planted in gardens, parks, sanctuaries, and even as street trees. It is also popular as a tree for bonsai cultivation[].
Occurring in lowland mixed evergreen forest, the species has come under threat from habitat declines. Whole plants are also dug up for the horticultural trade. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Southern China, southern Japan, Taiwan.

Habitat

An understorey to canopy tree in mixed mesophytic evergreen and deciduous forests, in hills and low mountains from 200 - 1,200 metres. On drier slopes it tends to follow streams, but can regenerate in more open thickets after forest disturbance[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Nageia nagi is an evergreen tree growing mainly in subtropical climates, but extending into the tropics in southern China and also able to be grown in warm temperate zones. The species is hardy to about -20°c, but plants require a 4 month hot humid summer in order to fully mature the new growth and to be able to withstand such cold conditions[]. It is best grown in a warm continental climate[]. Based on data from 19 collection localities, it grows at elevations of 201 ±198 m. Within its range, the mean annual temperature is 16.7°c, with an average minimum in the coldest month of 4.3°c, and a mean annual precipitation of 1973mm. It is hardy to Zone 8 (cold hardiness limit between -12.1°c and -6.7°c)[].
It is a shade-tolerant tree when young, but when mature, may become a canopy dominant. It is suitable for growing on feralitic, deep and fertile, loamy-sandy soils[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms must be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves are occasionally parboiled and eaten[].

The seeds yield an edible oil which is also used in industry[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The seeds yield an edible oil which is also used in industry[]. The oil content in the seeds is 30%, and in the nut is 50%. This oil is used in lighting and in industry[].

The wood is yellowish with straight veins and a fine structure. Easy to work, it is not fissured and deformed after seasoning. The wood is used for constructing houses and bridges, making furniture, musical instruments, utensils, carving and handicraft articles[, ].
This species is one of several that are traded collectively under the name 'podo'. The general description of podo wood is as follows:-
The heartwood is light yellow with a greenish tinge or light golden brown; it is not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The texture is very fine and even; the grain is straight. The wood can vary considerably in hardness and density; it is fairly strong; non-durable under exposed conditions. It seasons well without serious degrade. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools; planed surfaces are smooth and lustrous. The wood is suitable for many decorative purposes, interior finishings, panelling, high class furniture and cabinets, fancy plywood and flooring[].

Propagation

Seed - can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. 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 terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long, mid summer in a frame[].