Is the Chionanthus retusus a tree or a shrub?
Today, the editor will introduce whether Chionanthus retusus is a tree or a shrub, along with the characteristics of Chionanthus retusus and related introductions to green plants and flowers. The details are as follows:
In Hebei, Shanxi, and other southern regions of China, a species of Oleaceae Chionanthus retusus is wild or cultivated. Its characteristics include being a deciduous shrub or small tree, with opposite leaves, elliptical, ovate, or obovate leaf shapes, blooming in April, white flowers, corolla 4-lobed to the base, lobes linear-lanceolate, resembling "tassels." It is commonly called Chionanthus retusus or April Snow, and it has various economic values such as ornamental. Today, I will talk about some information about this plant.
I. Botanical characteristics of Chionanthus retusus
1. Name and classification status
Chionanthus retusus is the official Chinese name, derived from "Illustrations of Common Trees in Hebei"; it has many aliases, recorded as Carbon栗树 in "Plant Name and Picture Examination"; it is calledwanpi tree in Fujian, Tiehuangjing in Anhui, Niujinzuo in Yunnan, Nuomihua in Anhui, Sìyuèxuě (April Snow) and Yougongzi in Jiangsu and other places, Baihuacai and Niujintiao in Shaanxi. In botanical classification, it belongs to the Oleaceae family, Chionanthus genus.
2. Distribution and growing environment
Chionanthus retusus is mainly produced in Gansu, Shaanxi, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, and other southern regions of China; it usually grows in sparse mixed forests, thickets, hillsides, and riverbanks at altitudes below 3000 meters, with many cultivated large trees and ancient trees.
3. Morphological characteristics
Firstly, it is a deciduous shrub or small tree, with a height of 2-8 meters, and large trees can reach 20 meters; branches are gray-brown, spreading, hairless, with distinct brown lenticels.
Secondly, leaves are opposite, leathery, elliptical, ovate, or obovate-lanceolate, 3-12 cm long, apex rounded, leaf margins entire or with fine锯齿 in young leaves, petioles 1-2.5 cm long, upper surface with short pubescence.
Thirdly, corymbose paniculate inflorescences are terminal, 5-12 cm long; flowers are unisexual, dioecious, calyx 4-lobed, lobes lanceolate, corolla white, 4-lobed, lobes linear-lanceolate, 1-2 cm long, stamens 2, blooming from March to June.
Is Chionanthus retusus a tree or a shrub?
Drupes are elliptical, 10-15 mm long, maturing to bluish-black, seeds white, fruits mature from June to November.
4. Growing habits
Chionanthus retusus enjoys sunlight and is also shade-tolerant, prefers warm climates, slightly cold-resistant, drought-resistant but dislikes waterlogging, not strict with soil requirements, prefers neutral and slightly acidic soils, is tolerant of poor soil, has some salt and alkali tolerance, grows slowly, and has few diseases and pests.
II. Main uses of Chionanthus retusus
Firstly, ornamental species: Chionanthus retusus has dense foliage, with white flowers covering the trees in spring, fragrant flowers, resembling snow on the branches from a distance, and串串 of blue fruits in autumn, with a natural tree trunk, very beautiful; it is an excellent ornamental species for flowers, leaves, and fruits and has been a common ornamental species in courtyards and gardens since ancient times.
Secondly, edible and medicinal species: Chionanthus retusus is a species used for both medicine and food. Its flowers and tender leaves can be used to make "Nuomicha" (glutinous rice tea). Tender leaves are picked in spring and flowers in summer, dried in the shade, and then used to brew "Nuomicha," which is refreshing, has a unique flavor, and can quench thirst. According to research, the tender leaves and flowers of Chionanthus retusus contain effective ingredients such as flavonoids, glycosides, lignans, coumarins, and polysaccharides, which have various pharmacological effects such as anti-allergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Thirdly, the fruits of Chionanthus retusus are rich in oil content and can be pressed for essential oils for industrial use; its wood is hard, with dense and beautiful grain, and can be used to make exquisite furniture and utensils; its seedlings can be grafted with Syringa and Osmanthus trees.
Additionally, Chionanthus retusus is an ancient species that exhibits elegance and reserve, and has been a source of creative inspiration for scholars and artists since ancient times, holding cultural value.
The above is a detailed explanation of whether Chionanthus retusus is a tree or a shrub and the characteristics of Chionanthus retusus. I hope this article can provide you with assistance in green plant management!