Practical
Plants

Stewartia pseudocamellia

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Stewartia genus in the family Theaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Theaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
15 m
Spread
8 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

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

Young leaves - cooked[3].

Plant part
Leaves

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Canopy

Environment

Range
E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.
Habitat
Semi-shaded habitats in moist woodland in mountains[5][4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

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

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoor seedbed if there is sufficient seed[6]. Stored seed is best soaked for 3 days in warm water and then given 3 - 5 months warm stratification followed by 3 months cold stratification at 5°c, it can take 18 months to germinate[6]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in early summer. Cuttings of short side branches, 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[1][4]. One report says it is best to keep the cuttings growing through the winter if possible[1] whilst another says they should be allowed to become dormant once they have rooted[4]. Layering.

Cultivation

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

Requires a deep humus-rich moist but not boggy soil[4]. Dislikes limey soils, preferring peaty conditions[2][4]. Prefers a position with some shade, at least from the midday sun[4]. Another report says that it prefers a sunny sheltered position[2]. Hardy to about -20°c[4]. Resents root disturbance, plants should be put in their permanent positions as soon as possible[2][4]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].

References

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

    ↩1↩2

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  4. 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↩7↩8↩9

  5. Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00

    ↩

  6. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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