Symplocos sumuntiia
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. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained fertile neutral to acid soil. Self-sterile, it needs cross-pollination with a different plant in the same species if seed and fruit are to be produced. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame in late winter, it can take 12 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in individual pots in a cold frame.
Edible uses
Leaves - cooked. A sweetish/sour taste. Seed. No more details are given.
Medicinal uses
The leaves are used in the treatment of dysentery.
Material uses
A purplish/black dye is obtained from the plant, it does not require a mordant. No more details are given, the dye is probably obtained from the leaves[K]. A decoction with ginger is used as a parasiticide and is effective against fleas. The part used is not specified[K]. We have no specific information for this species but many species in this genus contain alum and can be used as mordants when dyeing.
Habitat
Woods, 1000 - 1300 metres in W. Hupeh.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.