Alangium Chinense

Description

Alangium Chinense, commonly known as Chinese Alangium, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The plant can grow up to a height of 10-20 feet and a spread of 10-15 feet. It has a bushy habit with a rounded crown and a grayish-brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate, and up to 4 inches long. They are dark green and glossy on the upper side and pale green on the underside. The flowers are small, creamy-white, and fragrant, with 5 petals and numerous stamens. They bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer. The fruit is a drupe, up to 1 inch in diameter, and turns red when ripe in late summer or early fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Alangium Chinense is a beautiful plant that can add ornamental value to any garden or landscape. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and its flowers are fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant can grow up to a height of 10-20 feet, and its crown can spread up to 10-15 feet. The bark is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. The fruit is a red drupe that adds color to the plant in late summer or early fall. The plant is deciduous, which means that it sheds its leaves in the fall and remains dormant during the winter.

Care Guide

Alangium Chinense is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize the plant in the fall or winter.
• Soil: Alangium Chinense prefers a well-drained, fertile soil. It can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well in low light conditions.
• Hardiness Zones: Alangium Chinense is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Alangium Chinense is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to the following:

• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing or curling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
• Scale insects: These insects can cover the leaves and stems of the plant with a hard, waxy coating. Use horticultural oil to control scale insects.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to control leaf spot.

Habitat

Alangium Chinense is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and rocky hillsides. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and can grow in full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Here are some frequently asked questions about Alangium Chinense:

Q: Is Alangium Chinense a fast-growing plant?

A: No, Alangium Chinense is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach its full height and spread.

Q: Can Alangium Chinense be grown in a container?

A: Yes, Alangium Chinense can be grown in a container, but it may not reach its full size in a limited space.

Q: Does Alangium Chinense require pruning?

A: Alangium Chinense does not require pruning, but you can prune it in the late winter or early spring to shape it or remove dead or damaged branches.

Q: Is Alangium Chinense toxic to pets?

A: There is no evidence that Alangium Chinense is toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep pets away from any plant that they may chew on.

Related Plants

• Alangium Lamarckii
• Alangium Platanifolium
• Alangium Salvifolium
• Alangium Villosum

References

• “Alangium Chinense.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 August 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantdetails.aspx?taxonid=274797&isprofile=0&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=
• “Alangium Chinense.” Plantz Africa. Accessed 14 August 2021. <http://pza.sanbi.org/alangium-chinense>
• “Alangium Chinense.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 14 August 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9179/Alangium-chinense/Details>