Xanthoceras sorbifolium |
Native Region: China
Zone Range: 4-9
Preferred Climate: Full sun; rich humusy well draining soil.
Harvest Date: Saturday 19 November, 2011
Seed count: 10-12
Description:
An unusual shrub with lacy pinnate leaves (sorta like a Sorbus as the species name suggests but not nearly as coarse). The entire plant almost disappears under the heavy bloom in May. Flowers are borne in clusters and begin life nearly white with a yellow eye that ages to a deep pink. In fall, lime sized fruits bear up to 12 marble sized edible nuts within its four chambers. Up to 9kg of sweet edible nuts per await the harvest basket. Though I haven't tried, when toasted, but the taste is similar to macadamia nuts. With a high (60%) Omega 6 content, its being looked at as a source of oil for biodiesel.
Notes:
Blooms at an early age. Reaches 8 m in height and a 6 meter spread at maturity. Grow in pots until ready to seat in its permanent position as it hates being dug up out of the nursery bed.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24-48 hours. Germination technique varies. Best quick method: soak 24 hours, then gently nicking the seed coat near the pore (pale spot on the dark seed coat) slowly shaving it way until you see the barest glimmer of white and resoak for 12 hours. Be VERY careful not to cut the embryo's root or all is lost. Warm stratify in moist peat/sand/perlite mix and voila! germinates in 4-7 days. Alternately: they've germinated in the fridge after 2 months of warm stratification. Like wise had a few germinate during this warm stratification. Regardless, they sprout quickly and put down a very large root so transplant accordingly and check the germination bags often!
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