Ehretia ovalifolia

Description

Ehretia ovalifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Fruit. No more details. Young buds and leaves. No more details.

Distribution

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

Cultivation

Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Requires a sheltered position. Plants are shade tolerant in continental climates but they require more sun in maritime areas in order to ripen the wood. Rich fertile soils tend to encourage soft sappy growth which is then subject to frost damage over winter. Young trees are tender in Britain but they become perfectly hardy as they grow older. The young growth in spring is frost-tender. Closely allied to E. acuminata and included in that species by some botanists. A tree was 10 metres tall at Bath botanical gardens in 1989. The flowers, which are produced on the ripened wood of the previous season's growth, have a soft sweet perfume.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Other Uses

Wood. None known

Synonyms