Korean Honey Locust (Gleditsia koraiensis)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species is not recognised as distinct in the International Lgume Database and is more geerally viewed as a sub-species of G. japonica. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a loamy soil, requiring a sunny position. Trees have a light canopy, they come into leaf late in the spring and drop their leaves in early autumn making them an excellent top storey tree in a woodland garden. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in a greenhouse. Further soaking should then cause the seed to swell. One it has swollen, the seed should germinate within 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual deep pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Edible uses
The flesh inside the mature seedpod can be eaten.
Medicinal uses
The fruit and the spines contain a number of medically active constituents including saponins and flavonoids.
Material uses
Wood - strong, durable, coarse-grained.
Habitat
Near streams in low mountain elevations.
Native range
E. Asia - Korea.