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Description
Toona Sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Toon or Chinese Mahogany, is a deciduous tree in the Meliaceae family. It is native to East Asia and can grow up to 25 meters tall. The leaves are pinnate, with 10-30 leaflets, and are used as a vegetable in Chinese cuisine. The tree produces small pink or white flowers in the spring, followed by green fruit that matures into a papery winged samara. The wood of Toona Sinensis is also valuable and is used for furniture, construction, and musical instruments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Toona |
Appearance
Toona Sinensis has a distinctive appearance with its pinnate leaves and papery fruit. The leaves are 30-60 cm long and each leaflet is 5-12 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The tree has a broad, spreading canopy and can grow up to 25 meters tall. The bark is grayish-brown and slightly fissured. The flowers are small and pink or white, and the fruit is a green samara that turns brown and papery when mature.
Care Guide
Toona Sinensis prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established but should be watered regularly during its first year of growth. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Toona Sinensis is hardy to USDA zones 6-10 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
Toona Sinensis is typically not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Toona Sinensis is native to East Asia and is commonly found in China, Japan, and Korea. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Toona Sinensis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Toona Sinensis can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the tree’s size and growth habit.
Q: How often should Toona Sinensis be fertilized?
A: Toona Sinensis should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Toona Sinensis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Toona Sinensis can attract birds and other wildlife with its fruit and seeds.
Q: How do you propagate Toona Sinensis?
A: Toona Sinensis can be propagated by seed or by taking softwood cuttings in the spring.
Related Plants
- Toona ciliata
- Toona sureni
- Cedrela odorata
- Melia azedarach
References
- “Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed 12 April 2021.
- “Toona Sinensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed 12 April 2021.
- “Toona Sinensis.” Royal Horticultural Society, accessed 12 April 2021.
