Woody > Schima > Schima wallichi > Schima wallichi
Schima wallichi
Needlewood, Chinese guger tree, Chinese schima
Origin: Native to China, India, and Southeast Asia.
| Family |
| Theaceae |
| Genus |
| Schima |
| Species |
| wallichi |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 9 - 11 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| Greater than 9a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H4 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-5) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 23 |
| Height |
| 15 - 25 m |
| Spread |
| 10 - 15 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
click to expand
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| The tall, evergreen Schima wallichii tree is prized for the fine wood it produces, which is used to build furniture and other items. In addition, it plays a significant ecological role by giving animals a somewhere to live, while providing food and protection from soil erosion. |
| Landscape |
| Schima wallichii enhances landscapes with its beauty and shade, making it perfect for parks and urban settings. It helps restore ecosystems and promotes biodiversity in cities by giving wildlife a place to live. In addition, it is utilized in commercial and residential settings as windbreaks and privacy screens. |
| Cultivation |
| Loamy soils with good drainage and a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral are ideal for Schima wallichii's growth. It grows best in full sun to medium shade; however, it can withstand slight shade. It might require protection from intense heat or cold during its early stages of growth. Its sensitivity to urban stressors like pollution and space constraints means that it needs close attention and upkeep to remain healthy and flourish. |
| Shape |
| Schima wallichii has an erect, conical appearance while it is young, but as it becomes older, it could grow more rounded. |
| Growth |
| Fast |
| ID Characteristic |
| The smooth foliage, uniform development structure, and perpetually green foliage of Schima wallichii are all identifiable characteristics of the plant. |
| Pests |
| Aphids and leaf spot fungi can cause problems, but they can be controlled with the right care. |
| Habitat |
| Found in mixed evergreen and broadleaf forests at elevations of 600–2700 meters. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| The young, smooth period of its bark is grey in colour. As the tree ages, coarser bark with a darker colour develops. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| The leaves are simple, alternating, and glossy, while the flower buds are little and covered with scales. |
| Leaf Description |
| Simple, alternating, glossy leaves with small, scale-covered blooming buds. |
| Flower Description |
| Schima wallichii produces tiny, grouped white flowers in the spring. These flowers are small, with greenish-yellow petals, and lack conspicuous petals. They are pollinated by wind; female flowers have ovules inside their ovarian structures, while male flowers have stamens. Lastly, woody capsules are followed by little, white flowers in the spring. |
| Fruit Description |
| The female flowers of the Chinese cedar give rise to woody cones. These cones have rounded tips and an ovoid to cylindrical shape. They are usually small to medium-sized, with a length of 3-5 cm. The cones are green at first, turning brown as they ripen, then turning woody and releasing seeds with wings when fully developed. Cones are grouped on the branches and arranged in terminal positions. They have many woody scales inside, and each one has two winged seeds that need to be dispersed. |
| Colour Description |
| The characteristics of Schima wallichii include: spiny capsule-like structures, white flowers, greyish tree bark, and dark green leaves. |
| Texture Description |
| Uniform texture. |
| Propagation |
| Propagation of this plant is especially done by the process of scarification or stratification, which has shown optimal outcomes when starting primarily from seeds. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Schima wallichii is prized for its robust, long-lasting wood that is used for musical instruments, furniture, and building. It can be used medicinally to treat stomach issues, bronchitis, and coughs. Its leaves and blooms are utilized as decorations, and its timber is employed in sacred events in some cultures. |
top