Alangium platanifolium (Lobed-Leaf Alangium)

Michael's Opinion

“Alangium platanifolium has found a crevice in the Manual in which to hide” (Dirr, 2009, p.93). The sentiment of this quote has been a common thread in the research of this plant. Due to the rarity of this shrub-like tree, I have been unable to see it in-person. The aesthetics of this specimen have a very subtle beauty which is overlooked and underrated. It is a matter of time until it is given its due. Soon it will find its place in more botanical gardens, and micro-climates so it may be fully appreciated and admired. - John Tedesco

Botanical Information

FamilyCornaceae
GenusAlangium
Speciesplatanifolium
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
ReferencesMichael A. Dir, (revised 2009). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Stipes Publishing L.L.C Michael A. Dirr, (2011). Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press, Inc.
OriginChina, Japan, and Korea.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Different species of Alangium have been used in Folk Medicine, in southwest China, Thailand, Philippines, and India, to treat rheumatism, skin disease, diabetes and other illnesses and ailments. It is commonly used by the people of South Asia and many studies have been done to look for different properties this Genus could be a rich source of. Alangium platanifolium roots have been used as an ethnomedicinal treatment replacement of Alangium chinense to treat rheumatic arthritis, acroanesthesia, and fractures. (Pandey A., Verma O., Chand S. 2022)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7 – 10
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-5 – 18
Temperature (°F)23 – 64
Height2 – 4 m
Spread2 – 3 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis is a modest, robust, deciduous tree that requires low maintenance.
ID CharacteristicIt has broad dark green leaves, small white and yellow flowers, and produces blue egg-shaped fruit. It grows as a small to medium sized tree to a large shrub.
ShapeAs a shrub it will have a widespread and vase-like shape. When grown into a tree it will be pyramid-shaped and rounded. In either case, it will grow relatively wide.
LandscapeYou are more likely to see it as a specimen in a botanical garden. However, it can also be used in private gardens and parks. It is quite capable of existing in large pots to be moved around in climates where it may only thrive seasonally.
PropagationThe seeds must be put in moist soil, and stratification will take up to two months at around 2°C. Cuttings must be placed in moist and well-drained soil. In either case, during the early stages of the plant's life it is recommended that they are placed in a protected area of a warmer temperature until they are strong enough to handle winter.
CultivationRequires moist and well drained soils in full-sun to partial shade in acidic, alkaline, and neutral soil.
PestsNo pests or diseases. Popular among birds and bees because of the fruits and flowers.
HabitatAlangium platanifolium will grow in partial sun which means it will be found in forests under the shade of larger trees. It is not limited by pH levels in the soil. It is found in areas with a cool average temperature but cannot handle climates with sustained levels of severely low or high temperatures. It needs moist, well-drained soil.
Bark/Stem DescriptionLight grey and smooth when young. Takes on rough texture when older and becomes a darker grey. The stems grow in an alternate pattern.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe buds are sizable, rounded and one-scaled. They appear fuzzy and red and stand out in the winter.
Leaf DescriptionThey grow in alternate arrangements. They have a palmate venation, a very broadly lobed margin, and are 10–20 cm long and are very thick. It is dark green in the summer and turns yellow during autumn.
Flower DescriptionDangling small cymes with 6 recurved white petals surrounding long, straight yellow anthers. The blooming period is from May to June.
Fruit DescriptionIt has 1 cm blue egg-shaped drupes which appear in the autumn months.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are dark green from spring to summer and turn yellow during autumn, usually in November. Also, at this time small blue drupes will also be visible. White flowers with a touch of yellow will bloom in June. The bark will retain its usual grey-brown colouration throughout the seasons.
Texture DescriptionIt is a medium textured plant. It is a nice addition during the warm seasons but does not offer anything special during winter after the leaves have dropped.

Photographs