Eucommia ulmoides |
Origin: China
Zone Range: 5-8
Preferred Situation: Full Sun; well draining soil.
Harvest Date: Friday 12 October, 2007
Description:
Second only to ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine, this rare and unusual tree is the last member of its genus. As its name suggests, this is the only temperate latex bearing tree producing 3-4% latex rubber. Quick growing, making it a wonderful shade ornamental 20 meter tall tree with its thick glossy attractive elm like dark green leaves. Very nice pale grey bark. Low slung branches make a 10 meter diameter spread. Pest free.
Notes:
Gendered species. You won't be able to make your own tires (yet), but the latex acts as a natural deterent for many nibbling pests. Correct harvesting of the bark does not kill the tree, but I'll leave that to the professionals. Coal deposits in Germany have thick layers composed of Eucommia leaves that still give off a rubber scent when burnt.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 48 hours. Cold stratify 60-90 days. Optimium germination temp: 18 C. Cold germination temps (10 C) produce weak seedlings. Temps higher than 25 C is lethal. When soaking in my 'Skookum Grow' for 48 hours (until the seeds sink...the latex in the seed coat isn't entirely impermiable), I've had Eucommia germinate on day 30 of cold stratification in the fridge without the benefit of warmth. Produced good strong seedlings.
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