Common Name:

General Information

Neolitsea sericea is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China (Zhejiang) Taiwan, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Ravines, thickets and woodland on mountain slopes; at elevations from 300 - 1,300 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Neolitsea sericea is not a very cold-hardy plant, only being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -4°c when fully dormant[].
Succeeds in any reasonably good well-drained soil[, ]. A calcifuge plant, it requires a lime-free soil[]. Requires a sheltered position[] in full sun[]. Succeeds in semi-shade[].
This species only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the temperate zone[, ] and even there is best grown against a sunny wall[].
The leaves are very aromatic[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[]. The globose fruit is around 13mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The oil obtained from the seed is also used in soap making and for burning[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse. 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. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature basal hardwood of the previous seasons growth, mid to late winter in a frame[].