Toona sinensis (Chinese Mahogany) is a fast growing, deciduous tree that is native to large regions of southern Asia. A low-maintenance ornamental that produces fragrant edible leaves, a solid timber and beautiful pink blossoms during Summer. A popular bonsai variety, this species is also used in some traditional Chinese medicines.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Toona sinensis is sometimes called the Chinese Cedar, the Red Toon, Chinese Toon or strangely enought the Beef and Onion Plant. It is native to cooler regions of Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Myanmar and Thailand as well as Korea, most of China and as far west as Nepal.
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Growth
Toona sinensis is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of around 25 metres (82 feet) and roughly 8 metres (26 feet) wide. Chinese Mahogany is frost tolerant and is hardy to -25°C. It thrives in most soil varieties, is fast growing and is largely disease and insect resistant.
The leaves are pinnate with 10-40 leaflets and can be as long as 70cm (28 inches) and as wide as 40cm (16 inches). Young leaves are reddish brown or purple and produce a sweet fragrance. Pink flowers are produced through Summer as panicles that grow to 50cm (20 inches) long.
The bark of a Chinese Mahogany tree is smooth as juveniles but become ragged and shaggy as they grow older. In suitable climates where the trees experience a cold winter, flowering can occur in around 3-4 years from seed.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Meliaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-25 to 30°C / -13 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Tolerant to most soils as long as they are consistently moist but not boggy.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 25 metres (82 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (26 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Insects
MATURITY:
3-4 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 24 hours in water.
Cold Stratification for 8 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
65
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 18-24 months.
FACTS ABOUT TOONA SINENSIS (Chinese Mahogany)
A mature tree in China is symbolically used to represent the father. It is expressed between friends when wishing goodwill towards the parents.
In many south-east Asian countries, the young leaves are used to make Toona paste which can be added like a condiment to porridge, soup and fried rice to enhance a simple meal. The leaves are quite nutritious, containing high amounts of iron, calcium and Vitamin E.
Chinese Mahogany timber is viewed as a common, inexpensive substitute for the highly prized True Mahogany (from the genus Swietenia). The wood is hard, reddish and is used to make furniture and musical instruments.
In regions outside of Asia, Toona sinensis is mainly grown for its ornamental aspect and is the only species of its genus that will tolerate the colder conditions in northern Europe and America.
More information can be found regarding Toona sinensis using this link.
