Trema orientalis (Indian Charcoal Tree; Pigeon Wood; Oriental Trema; Gunpowder Tree; Nalita)

Botanical Information

FamilyCannabaceae
GenusTrema
Speciesorientalis
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
ReferencesOrwa C, A Mutua, Kindt R, Jamnadass R, S Anthony. (2009) Agroforestry Database: a tree reference and selection guide.
OriginSouth Africa, Southern and Eastern China, Australia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Used to make charcoal and paper. Research is currently underway to determine further medicinal uses of this tree.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone13b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone9a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1a
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)20 - 27
Temperature (°F)68 - 75
Height18 m
Spread13 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodFebruary, April

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicLong hairy twigs with lots of long, narrow pointy leaves attached.
ShapeRound canopy.
LandscapeUsed as a screen, windbreak and in home gardens as it produces edible fruit and leaves. Can tolerate a hard pruning.
PropagationPropagation by cuttings.
CultivationWill tolerate acidic to basic soil conditions but thrives in a light sandy loam. Will not tolerate waterlogged soil. Not urban tolerant.
PestsNo known pests or diseases.
HabitatRain forests.
Bark/Stem DescriptionNew growth is smooth that roughens with age.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall round buds that grow in clusters of 3.
Leaf DescriptionRounded by the petiole, acute near the tips, serrated edges and alternate in arrangement.
Flower DescriptionSmall white flowers.
Fruit DescriptionTiny black berries, about 5 mm in diameter, that grow in small clusters along the stems.
Colour DescriptionGreen foliage year-round with small patches of black berries and small white flowers on its stems. Light grey young bark with aged dark brown bark.
Texture DescriptionSoft.

Photographs