Scientific Name:
Melliodendron xylocarpum
Pronunciation:
mel-lee-oh-DEN-dron zy-lo-KAR-pum
Common Name:
Chinese parasol
Family Name:
Styracaceae
Plant Type:
Tree - deciduous
Key ID Features:
Leaves ovate-lanceolate to oblong-elliptic, 15-25 long x 6-8cm wide when mature, glabrous upper surface, margin entire-serrulate, petiole 3-12mm long; flowers ~5cm wide, 5 white or pink petals, Apr-May; capsules oblong, most 2-7cm long x 1-3cm wide. Winter ID: small tree with ovate buds about 1cm long; fallen capsules.
Habit:
Upright
Form:
Oval - vertical
Texture:
Medium - coarse
Mature Height:
7 - 10m
Mature Spread:
5 - 7m
Growth Rate:
Slow
Origin:
S.E. Asia / Japan / China
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 7: (-18 to -12 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil/Growing Medium:
Well-drained
Landscape Uses:
Small garden/space, Spring interest
Additional Info:
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Simple
Arrangement:
Alternate
Texture/Venation:
Soft flexible, Pinnate venation
Surfaces:
Glabrous, Lustrous
Colour in Summer:
Dark-green
Shapes:
Elliptic, Ovate
Apices:
Acuminate, Acute
Bases:
Cuneate
Margins:
Entire, Serrulate
Inflorescence Type:
Flowers solitary
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Number Of Petals:
5
Corolla Shape:
Campanulate
Ovary Position:
Inferior
Colour (petals):
White, Pink
Flower Time at Peak:
Apr, May
Fruit Type:
Drupe
Fruit Colour:
Green, Brown
Fruiting Time:
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Additional Info:
Not showy
Bark Morphology:
Exfoliating
Bark or Stem Colour:
Grey, Brown
Leaf Bud Type:
Ovoid
Maintenance:
Low
Pest Susceptibility:
(Pest resistant, Disease resistant)
