Toona

Description

Toona, also known as the Toon tree, is a species of tree that belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is native to East and Southeast Asia and can grow up to 40 meters tall. The tree is widely used for its edible leaves and wood, which is used for furniture and construction.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Sapindales
Family	Meliaceae
Genus	Toona

Appearance

The Toon tree has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are pinnate, with 12-30 leaflets that are 5-12 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The tree produces small white flowers that are grouped in large panicles that can be up to 50 cm long. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.

Care Guide

The Toon tree prefers well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it grows best in rich, loamy soil. Water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. Fertilize the tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. The Toon tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Toon tree is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and scale insects. To prevent these problems, keep the tree well-ventilated and remove infected leaves and branches promptly. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control scale insects.

Habitat

The Toon tree is native to East and Southeast Asia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, riverbanks, and mountain slopes. It is also widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and the Americas.

Question and Answer

Q: Can you eat the leaves of the Toon tree?

A: Yes, the leaves of the Toon tree are edible and are used in many Asian cuisines.

Q: Is the wood of the Toon tree hard or soft?

A: The wood of the Toon tree is moderately hard and is used for furniture and construction.

Q: What is the scientific name of the Toon tree?

A: The scientific name of the Toon tree is Toona sinensis.

Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Toon tree?

A: The Toon tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Related Plants

• Melia azedarach
• Azadirachta indica
• Cedrela odorata
• Swietenia mahagoni

References

• Flora of China. (n.d.). Toona sinensis. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200013518
• Mabberley, D. J. (2017). Mabberley’s plant-book: a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Cambridge University Press.
• USDA. (n.d.). Toona sinensis. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TOSI