Contents
Description
Eucommia Ulmoides, commonly known as the hardy rubber tree, is a deciduous tree native to China. It is one of the few plants that produce latex that is not derived from the rubber tree. The tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and has a straight trunk that is bark gray in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Garryales |
| Family | Eucommiaceae |
| Genus | Eucommia |
Appearance
The leaves of the Eucommia Ulmoides are simple and alternate, with an elliptical shape and a serrated edge. They are dark green in color and can grow up to 5 inches long. The tree produces small flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and bloom in the spring. The fruit of the tree is a small, woody capsule that contains a single seed.
Care Guide
Eucommia Ulmoides is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The tree should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. It can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eucommia Ulmoides is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. It can also be affected by cankers and root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Eucommia Ulmoides is native to central and eastern China, where it grows in mountainous regions at elevations of up to 5,000 feet. It prefers temperate climates with cool summers and cold winters.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Eucommia Ulmoides be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Eucommia Ulmoides can be grown in containers, but it may not grow as large as a tree planted in the ground.
Q: Can Eucommia Ulmoides be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, the bark of the Eucommia Ulmoides tree has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Q: Does Eucommia Ulmoides produce a lot of litter?
A: No, Eucommia Ulmoides produces very little litter, making it a great tree for urban areas.
Q: Can Eucommia Ulmoides be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Eucommia Ulmoides can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
- Eucommia Bark
- Hevea Brasiliensis
- Parthenocissus Tricuspidata
- Ginkgo Biloba
References
- Flora of China. (1996). Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. In Wu, Z. Y. & Raven, P. H. (eds.), Flora of China, Vol. 15. Science Press (Beijing) and Missouri Botanical Garden Press (St. Louis).
- Huxley, A. (1992). The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Eucommia ulmoides. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277345&isprofile=0&basic=eucommia%20ulmoides
