Goldenrain tree
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Goldenrain tree | image = Koelreutheria-paniculata.JPG | image_width = 240px | image_caption = Goldenrain tree foliage | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Sapindales | familia = Sapindaceae | genus = Koelreuteria | species = K. paniculata | binomial = Koelreuteria paniculata | binomial_authority = Laxm. }}
The Goldenraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata), also called Panicled Goldenraintree, Golden rain tree, Pride of India, Varnish Tree or China tree, is a flowering tree native to eastern Asia.
It is noted for its yellow, four-petaled flowers, which grow in terminal clusters. The shape of this tree towering with its clusters of gold at the ends of each branch tends towards a dome shape. The flowers develop into bladderlike, green seed pods. They contain black seeds.
Culture
Species can achieve a mature height of 30 to 40 feet with an equal or greater spread. It is most hardy in Hardiness zone 5, but it can survive anywhere between zones 4 through 9. It has a medium growth rate averaging up to as much as 2 feet per year. Leaves are alternate, pinnate or bipinnately compound, 6 to 18 inches long, 7 to 15 leaflets. Each leaflet is ovate or oblong, 1-4 inches in length.
This species is native to Asia. It is popularly grown as an ornamental tree in temperate regions all across the world because of the aesthetic appeal of its flowers, leaves and seed pods.
Cultivars
- 'Fastigiata' - upright habit. 25 foot mature height with a spread of only 4-6 feet. This cultivar was raised at Kew Gardens, England, from seeds received in 1888 from Shanghai.
References
- Dirr, Michael A., (1990) Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Fourth Edition. Stipes Publishing. ISBN 0-87563-344-7