Stewartia monadelpha
| Stewartia monadelpha | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Theaceae |
| Genus: | Stewartia |
| Species: | S. monadelpha
|
| Binomial name | |
| Stewartia monadelpha | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Stewartia sericea (Nakai) | |
Stewartia monadelpha, known as tall stewartia or orangebark stewartia, is a deciduous shrub or multi-stemmed tree native to the temperate rainforests of Japan.[2] Stewartia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. The genus name Stewartia is in honor of 16th century Scottish botanist, John Stuart.[2]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Tall stewartia is endemic to Japan and primarily grows in cool, montane temperate rainforest zones; specifically, south-central Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku islands.[2][3] It is also cultivated in other countries as an ornamental plant.[3]
Description
[edit]Its appearance varies from a sturdy shrub too a small tree with orange or cinnamon-brown colored bark.[4] It typically grows to a height of 20–25 ft (6.1–7.6 m) but has been known to reach 80 ft (24 m).[5] As the plant matures its form changes from a pyramidal crown to become more open with horizontal branches reaching outwards.[5] The dark green leaves are elliptic and oblong in shape and have serrated edges, growing to approximately 2–4 in (51–102 mm) long, and turn red in the autumn.[5] In June, small cupped flowers appear, growing 1–1.5 in (25–38 mm) wide the flowers are white with yellow stamens, similar in appearance to camellia flowers.[2]
Ecology
[edit]This plant grows best in partial shade, but having an excellent heat tolerance, is able to grow well in full sunlight. In terms of soil, tall stewartia can tolerate well-drained clay, loam, sandy, and acidic soils.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Rivers, M.C. (2018). "Stewartia monadelpha". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T62086251A62086257. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T62086251A62086257.en. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Stewartia monadelpha (Hime-syara Stewartia, Orangebark Stewartia, Tall Stewartia) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu.
- ^ a b "Stewartia monadelpha (SWTMO)[Overview]| EPPO Global Database". gd.eppo.int. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Stewartia monadelpha". www.vdberk.co.uk. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ a b c "Stewartia monadelpha" (PDF). Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. Retrieved 28 May 2022.