Euptelea pleiosperma

Euptelea pleiosperma is a species of flowering plant in the family Eupteleaceae. It is found in China, India, and Myanmar.

Description

A small tree. It grows 4.5-9 m high and spreads 4.5 m wide. The leaves have shallow lobes and small teeth. They are paler underneath. The fruit are small. They contain one or more seeds.

Edible Uses

The leaves are edible when cooked, but are considered a famine food, used only when other options are unavailable.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are eaten with oil and salt.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In central China it grows between 900-3,600 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. In Sichuan and Yunnan. Arboretum Tasmania.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Tasmania,

Cultivation

It can be grown from fresh seed, suckers or airlayering.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Can also be propagated by layering.

Other Uses

No other uses are known.

Synonyms

References (6)

• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 590
• Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 318
• Heywood, V.H., Brummitt, R.K., Culham, A., and Seberg, O. 2007, Flowering Plant Families of the World. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. p 147 (Also as Euptelea franchetii)
• J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 7:240, t. 2. 1864
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

More from Eupteleaceae

Euptelea polyandra