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Description
Sinowilsonia Henryi, also known as Henry’s snowbell, is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the Styracaceae family. It is native to China and can reach a height of up to 10 meters. The tree is named after the Scottish botanist, Augustine Henry, who discovered it in 1888.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Styracaceae |
| Genus | Sinowilsonia |
Appearance
Sinowilsonia Henryi has a smooth gray bark and oval-shaped leaves that are 5-15 cm long and 3-7.5 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler on the underside. In the spring, the tree produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that are about 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are followed by small, black, berry-like fruits that are 5-7 mm in diameter.
Care Guide
Sinowilsonia Henryi is a relatively easy tree to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the tree well-watered during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Sinowilsonia Henryi is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sinowilsonia Henryi is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl or wilt. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Scale insects: These pests can damage the bark and cause dieback. Use horticultural oil to control them.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and use a fungicide to control the disease.
Habitat
Sinowilsonia Henryi is native to the forested areas of China, where it grows in well-draining soil in partial shade to full sun. The tree is often found growing on steep slopes or in rocky areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sinowilsonia Henryi be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in a large container, but it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the tree is watered regularly.
Q: Does Sinowilsonia Henryi produce fruit every year?
A: No, the tree only produces fruit in years when the growing conditions are favorable.
Q: Is Sinowilsonia Henryi a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the tree grows at a moderate rate of about 30-45 cm per year.
Q: Can Sinowilsonia Henryi tolerate drought?
A: No, the tree prefers moist soil and will not tolerate extended periods of drought.
Related Plants
- Snowbell tree (Styrax japonicus)
- Snowbell (Styrax obassia)
- Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus ‘Emerald Pagoda’)
References
- “Sinowilsonia Henryi.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c424.
- “Sinowilsonia Henryi.” PlantFiles. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/199605/.
- “Henry’s Snowbell.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13811/Sinowilsonia-Henryi/Details.
