Trochodendron aralioides |
Origin: Japan, Korea, Taiwan
Zone Range: 6-10
Preferred Situation: Full to semi shade; well draining humus rich soil.
Harvest Date: Wednesday 12 March, 2008
Description:
A lovely evegreen with thick glossy toothed edged leaves arranged in spiral whorls at the stem tips. Aptly named for the wheel like flowers gathered in neato clusters on previous year's growth.
Notes:
Rarely seen outside of botanical gardens for no logical reason because if you can grow rhododendrons, you can grow this species. Naturally a slow growing plant so it won't take over small gardens
Cultivation:
Seed needs light to germinate. Surface sow on a coarse sand sowing layer of a prepared growing pot filled with well draining humus rich medium. Sow thinly; mist seed; keep moist with repeated mistings. Use a clear plastic cover to maintain humidity and allow light. Light should not be direct light, but strong indirect light. Germinates promptly at 28 C. Better germination at lower growing temps if seed is given dry cold treatment (place seed packet in the very cold section of the fridge for near freezing (NOT the freezer!!!!) temps of 0C to 3C. Don't ever let tender seedlings to dry out nor fry in the sun!!!!
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