Osteomeles subrotunda
K. Koch
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Aaron Liston, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Aaron Liston
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Aaron Liston, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Aaron Liston
Summary
Source: WikipediaOsteomeles subrotunda is a species of plant native to China and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It has edible fruits that can be eaten raw. The fruit has a sweet flavor. It is grown as an ornamental plant. It is also used in bonsai.
Description
A shrub. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. It grows 2 m tall. The leaves have 7-15 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are narrowly oval and 4-6 mm long by 2-3 mm wide. They have grey hairs underneath. There are many flowers in a group. The flowers are 1 cm across. The fruit are bluish-black and a flattened round shape. They are 6-12 mm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible and measures 6–12mm in diameter. No further details are available.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in mixed forests and scrub on mountain summits in southern China between 200-500m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Japan, Ryuku,
Cultivation
Succeeds a sheltered position in full sun in any well-drained soil. Plants usually require protection outside the mildest areas of Britain, they are hardy to about -5°c. They can be grown on a sunny wall in colder parts of the country. Plants sold under this name are often O. schweriniae microphylla.
Propagation
Seed requires a period of cold stratification and can be sown in late autumn in a cold frame. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5–8cm with a heel, can be taken in July or August and rooted in a frame, then potted up in autumn and overwintered in a greenhouse — with a fair to good success rate. Layering is also an option.
Other Uses
No uses known.
Production
In southern China plants flower in April to June and fruit July to September.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavum 1:250. 1864
- Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
