Euptelea polyandra

Euptelea polyandra is a species of flowering plant in the family Eupteleaceae, native to wet areas of central and southern Japan. A suckering small tree, occasionally a many-stemmed shrub, it is used as a street tree in a number of European cities.

Description

A small tree. It grows 8 m tall. The leaves are heart-shaped. They have a long, tail like tip. There are deep jagged teeth around the edge. The leaves turn red and yellow in autumn. The fruit always have one seed.

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 suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Japan,

Cultivation

Prefers an open moderately rich free soil and full sun. Grows well in an open situation in a woodland garden or shrub border.

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.

References (7)

• Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p
• 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
• Fl. jap. 1:34, t. 72. 1835
• Heywood, V.H., Brummitt, R.K., Culham, A., and Seberg, O. 2007, Flowering Plant Families of the World. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. p 147

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Euptelea pleiosperma