Tilia mongolica
Maxim.
Mongolian lime
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Summary
Source: WikipediaTilia mongolica Maxim., commonly known as Mongolian lime, is a tree native to mountains of the northern China, growing up to elevations of 1200–2200 m.
Description
A deciduous tree. It grows 10-15 m tall. It is a broadly spreading tree. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are broadly oval and 7.5 cm long and across. There are 3-5 lobes and it tapers to a point at the tip. There are sharp teeth. The leaves are reddish when young and become dark green and glossy above but blue-green underneath. The leaves are smooth except for tufts of hairs in the axils of the veins. The leaves turn yellow in autumn. The leaf stalks are red. The flowers are small and 2 cm across. They are pale yellow and have a scent. They are borne in drooping clusters of up to 20 flowers.
Edible Uses
Young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, though this is considered an emergency food used only as a last resort. A refreshing herb tea is made from the flowers. A very good chocolate substitute can be made from a paste of the ground fruits and flowers, though attempts to market the product failed because the paste decomposes readily.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are eaten in soup.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
A tea made from the flowers is antispasmodic, diaphoretic, and sedative.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It is native to NE Asia. It grows on mountain slopes. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Mongolia, North America, Tasmania,
Cultivation
Prefers a good moist loamy alkaline to neutral soil but succeeds on slightly acid soils. Grows poorly on any very dry or very wet soil. Dislikes exposed positions according to one report, whilst another says that it is tolerant of exposure. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. Prefers a continental climate, growing more slowly and not producing fertile seed in areas with cool summers. This species flourishes in Britain. Lime trees tend to hybridise freely if other members of the genus are growing nearby. If growing plants from seed it is important to ensure the seed came from a wild source or from an isolated clump of the single species. Grows best in a woodland situation, young plants tolerate a reasonable level of side shade. Unlike most other members of this genus, this species does not usually become infested with aphis. Quite tolerant of root disturbance, semi-mature trees up to 5 metres tall have been transplanted successfully. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Much of the seed produced in Britain is not viable — cut a few seedcases open to check for a seed inside. Where possible, obtain fresh seed that is ripe but has not yet developed a hard seed coat and sow it immediately in a cold frame; it may germinate the following spring, though it could take 18 months. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate due to a combination of hard seed coat, embryo dormancy, and a hard coat on the pericarp, and may take up to 8 years. To shorten this, stratify the seed for 5 months at high temperatures (10°c at night, up to 30°c by day) followed by 5 months of cold stratification. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough and grow on in the greenhouse through the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Layering can be done in spring just before the leaves unfurl and takes 1–3 years. Suckers, when produced, can be removed with as much root as possible during the dormant season and replanted immediately.
Other Uses
A fibre obtained from the tough inner bark can be made into a range of items including mats, shoes, and coarse cloth.
Notes
These have also been in the Tiliaceae.
Also Known As
Domu modu, Duan shu
References (5)
- Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Peersbourg 26:433; Melanges Biol. Bull. Phys.-Math. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Petersbourg 10:585. 1880 (Diagn. pl. nov. asiat.)
- Coombes, A.J., 2000, Trees. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks. p 304
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1419
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Sachula, et al, 2020, Wild edible plants collected and consumed by the locals in Daqinggou, Inner Mongolia, China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2020) 16:60
