Status in Florida: Not native (introduced), cultivated, and naturalized in some areas.
Native Habitat: Cool hill regions of south-central China.
Native State, Country: China
Growing Zones: 8a - 10b (can tolerate some frost, but young trees need protection)
Size at Maturity: 20 - 30 feet tall, 15 - 25 feet wide
Phenology: Evergreen tree
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Rounded, spreading, often with a short trunk and multiple branches.
Bloom Season: Fall to early winter (October - December)
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade (prefers full sun for best fruit production)
Soil Texture: Adaptable, but prefers well-drained, loamy soils.
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 - 7.0)
Moisture Requirements: Average to moist, but drought tolerant once established.
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Moderate
Keystone Plant: No (not native)
Recommended Landscape Uses: Fruit tree, ornamental tree, shade tree, specimen planting.
Maintenance Tips: Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove suckers. Thin fruit clusters to improve fruit size. Protect young trees from frost.
Considerations: Produces edible, sweet and tangy fruit in the spring. The large, textured leaves add a tropical feel to the landscape.
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes, can help stabilize soil.
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Yes, the fruit is edible and can be eaten fresh, made into jams and jellies, or used in other culinary applications.
Pet Safe: Generally considered safe for pets.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate
Historical Medicinal Uses: Leaves and seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments.
Florida Native Companion Plant: N/A (not native, but can be grown with other subtropical fruit trees like citrus or avocados)
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators to its fragrant flowers and provides food (fruit) for birds and other wildlife.
Caterpillar Host Plant: No
Propagation: Seed, cuttings, grafting
Length of time Seed is Viable: Short-lived, best sown fresh.
Best month to Start Seeds: Spring
Seed treatments: No special treatment needed, but soaking seeds in water for 24 hours before planting can improve germination.