Diplopanax (Cornaceae) BSWJ11803

stachyanthus

A relic plant from before the Ice Age. From one of our seed collections gathered from the forest around Fansipan, the highest mountain in northern Vietnam, where cold snaps and snow are common in the winter. Forming a large tree in the ancient forest where this walnut-like seed was collected, much smaller in regenerating areas, typically 7-8m with large leathery oblong leaves on red petioles. Bearing their fuzzy 5-petalled flowers on many branched terminal panicles 30cm long soon followed by large oblong seed encased in a green husk to 5.5cm long with u shaped kernels. Best grown in a sheltered warm situation with possibly some protection from frosts. Previously identified as Elaeocarpus.