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Plants

Fraxinus chinensis rhynchophylla

Hua Qu Liu

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Fraxinus genus in the family Oleaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Oleaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
25 m
Fertility
Wind
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The bark is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, astringent, diuretic, expectorant and stomachic[4][6][7]. It controls bacterial infections and coughs[7]. It is used in the treatment of apoplexy, liver diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, eye diseases such as cataracts, cough and asthma[4][9]. The bark contains aesculin, this has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and analgesic actions[4]. The bark also contains fraxetin. This has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, is a stronger and safer anodyne than aspirin and has some antibacterial activity[4].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Antiinflammatory
Product or use
Antitussive
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Expectorant
Product or use
Stomachic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant (extract?) is said to be used as a barrier to protect the skin from ultra-violet light[4]. The wood is used for cabinet making[8].

Product or use
Weather protection
Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Canopy

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Habitat
Woodland and thickets to 3000 metres in W. China[2]. Slopes, along rivers, roadsides, below 1500 metres[8].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seed is best harvested green - as soon as it is fully developed but before it has fully dried on the tree - and can then be sown immediately in a cold frame[10]. It usually germinates in the spring[10]. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as possible in a cold frame[5]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions or a nursery bed in late spring or early summer of the following year. If you have sufficient seed then it is possible to sow it directly into an outdoor seedbed, preferably in the autumn. Grow the seedlings on in the seedbed for 2 years before transplanting either to their permanent positions or to nursery beds.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a deep loamy soil, even if it is on the heavy side[1][5]. Most members of this genus are gross feeders and require a rich soil[3][5]. Plants succeed when growing in exposed positions[5] and also in alkaline soils[3]. They tolerate atmospheric pollution[5]. This sub-species grows well in Britain and is much more common in cultivation than F. chinensis[3][5]. This species might be dioecious, in which case male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Wilson. E. H. Plantae Wilsonae.

    ↩

  3. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  6. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩

  7. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2

  8. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

    ↩1↩2

  9. Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila 1998-00-00 ISBN 92 9061 120 0

    ↩

  10. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

    ↩1↩2

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