Wheel Tree
(Trochodendron aralioides)
Wheel Tree (Trochodendron aralioides)
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黃美滿
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
黃美滿
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: 黃美滿 | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: 黃美滿 | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-29T12:57:26-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Trochodendron aralioides, commonly known as Wheel Tree, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the understory of cool, moist forests in Taiwan, Japan, and southern Korea. It can grow up to 20 meters tall, but is often smaller in cultivation. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and arranged in tight spirals at the apex of the year’s growth, contributing to a unique architectural appearance. The flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer, are produced in a racemose cyme measuring 5–13 cm in diameter; each flower is 15–18 mm across, yellowish-green, and lacks petals, but the overall effect is quite showy due to the large number of flowers.
The Wheel Tree is valued for its striking foliage and unusual flower structure, making it a conversation piece in a shaded garden or woodland setting. It is used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border. Trochodendron aralioides prefers a sheltered location with dappled sunlight or part shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. Due to its slow growth rate and preference for stable conditions, it is not typically considered invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Wheel Tree is valued for its striking foliage and unusual flower structure, making it a conversation piece in a shaded garden or woodland setting. It is used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border. Trochodendron aralioides prefers a sheltered location with dappled sunlight or part shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. Due to its slow growth rate and preference for stable conditions, it is not typically considered invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 10-20 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Fragrant
Natural Habitat
Understory of cool, moist forests in Taiwan, Japan, and southern Korea
Other Names
Common Names: Hjulträd, 昆欄樹;台灣雲葉
Scientific Names: , Trochodendron aralioides, Trochodendron aralioides f. longifolium, Trochodendron aralioides var. longifolium, Trochodendron aralioides subsp. longifolium, Gymnanthus paradoxus, Trochodendron longifolium,
GBIF Accepted Name: Trochodendron aralioides Siebold & Zucc.