Common Name:

General Information

Sassafras randaiense is a deciduous tree growing around 25 metres tall. The bole can be up to 70cm in diameter[].
The plant is the source of a valuable timber.
Sassafras randaiense has a limited range, being restricted to the mountains of Taiwan, where it is often harvested for its valuable timber. Regeneration is rare and confined to gaps in the forest, with germinating seeds frequently being eaten by birds. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The extracted essential oil (as is the case with most essential oils in common use) is poisonous in large quantities[, ].
The essential oil is comprised mainly of safrole, which is considered to be carcinogenic and potentially harmful to the liver[]. It is also suspected of causing contact dermatitis and of being hallucinogenic, especially in large doses[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central and southern Taiwan

Habitat

Evergreen broad-leaved forests; at elevations from 900 - 2,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sassafras randaiense is a relatively hardy tree when dormant, so long as the season's new growth has been properly ripened by summer heat. In regions with cool summers, the wood remains soft and is likely to be damaged by cold and wind in the winter[].
Grows best in a warm, sheltered, sunny position in a deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A valuable timber tree, producing high-quality wood with a beautiful grain. The wood is valued for furniture manufacturing and veneering[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed requires 4 months cold stratification at 4°c[]. It is best sown as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as possible and grow them on in the greenhouse. One report says to harden off the plants as soon as possible[], but young plants are frost-tender[] and so we recommend growing them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then planting them out in early summer. Give the young trees some protection for at least their first winter outdoors[].
Root cuttings, taken from suckers, 1 - 2cm long taken in December. Plant horizontally in pots in a greenhouse[].
Suckers in late winter. Plant straight out into their permanent positions[].