Meliosma cuneifolia

泡花树 species

Sabiaceae › Meliosma

Meliosma cuneifolia is in the Sabiaceae family and is native to western China (eastern Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shanxi, Sichuan, southern Xizang, central and northern Yunnan). It is a small tree growing up to 9 m tall.

  • Leaves are deciduous, simple, 8–14 cm long and 2.5–5 cm across, obovate-cuneate or narrow obovate, pointed; upper surface is rough to touch, lower one with a brownish down, especially on the midrib and axils of the veins; veins are in 16–20 pairs from the midrib, with a slightly corrugated appearance, veins quite straight and parallel, about 5 mm apart, ending in sharp teeth; petiole is 1–2 cm long.
  • Flowers yellowish white at first, turning almost pure white, 4mm in diameter, produced in downy, erect panicles 15–20 cm long at the ends of branches.
  • Fruit is a round, black drupe 6–7 mm in diameter, on an erect panicle.

Contributors

  • Paco Garin
  • Philippe de Spoelberch