Common Name:

General Information

Styrax fortunei is a deciduous shrub or a small tree growing around 5 - 15 metres tall with a trunk up to 15cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of oil from its seeds. The tree is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].
Styrax fortunei is a common and widespread speciues. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China

Habitat

Forest edges on slopes; at elevations from 500 - 1,200 metres[]. In mixed forests and thickets, occasionally in open rocky areas, on hillside slopes and valleys, along streams and roadsides; at elevations from 30 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Styrax fortunei is probably not very cold-tolerant though it should survive winter temperatures falling to around -5°c[ or a little lower1212].
Plants in this genus tend to prefer a warm, sheltered position in a moist but well-drained acidic soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are used as a cough suppressant and expectorant[].

Other Uses

The oil extracted from the seeds is used as a soap and a machine lubricant[]. It can also be used to make lacquer[].

The wood can be used for making tools[].

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification[]. Germination is usually good, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering in autumn.