Common Name:

General Information

Pteroceltis tatarinowii is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The bole can be 70 - 100cm in diameter, sometimes more[].
The plant is harvested from the wild, and also often cultivated in China, as a source of a fine quality timber, oil and a fibre that is used to make Xuan paper, a form of rice paper valued for its softness, strength and durability[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - northern and central China

Habitat

Mountainous regions on limestone, river and stream banks; at elevations from 100 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Pteroceltis tatarinowii is a very cold-tolerant plant, able to withstand winter temperatures falling to around 25°c[]. It is also quite versatile, and is grown in subtropical regions of China with a humid climate; a mean annual precipitation of 1,300 - 1,600mm of which about one half occurs during the growing season. The frost-free period is about 230 days every year, mean annual air temperature is 15°c[].
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil, preferring a good fertile well-drained loamy soil[]. Succeeds on dry gravels and on sandy soils[]. Established plants are very drought resistant[].
The tree is grown as an ornamental[], and is often grown in plantations for the fibre from its bark which is used to make xuan paper[].
Plants respond well to coppicing[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Where growing wild, the plant is seen as an indicator of limestone soils[].

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used in the manufacturing of Xuan Paper[]. Xuan paper is a form of rice paper, produced on a large scale in China, and valued for its strength, softness and durability[].

An oil is extracted from the seeds[]. No details are given as to whether the oil is edible or its other uses.

The tree has a good quality timber[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed is best given 2 - 3 months cold stratification and then sown late winter/early spring in a greenhouse[, ]. Germination rates are usually good, though the stored seed might take 12 months or more to germinate. The seed can be stored for up to 5 years[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. The leaves of seedlings often have a lot of white patches without chlorophyll, this is normal and older plants produce normal green leaves. Grow the seedlings on in a cold frame for their first winter, and plant them out in the following late spring or early summer[]. Give them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings