Overview
Styrax tonkinensis (Pierre) Craib ex Hartwich, also known as Tonkin gum tree or Tonkin benzoin resin tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Styracaceae family. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is mainly found in Vietnam, Laos, and China.
Appearance
The Styrax tonkinensis tree can grow up to 5-20 meters tall and has a round-shaped crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and grow up to 8-12 cm long and 4-6 cm wide. The flowers are white and fragrant, and they bloom in clusters in the spring and early summer. The fruit is a drupe, about 1 cm in diameter, with a thin exocarp, fleshy mesocarp, and hard endocarp.
Common Uses
The Styrax tonkinensis tree is known for its aromatic resin, which is produced from its trunk and branches. The resin has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant. It is also used in incense and perfumes. In addition, the wood of the tree is used for making furniture, carvings, and handicrafts.
The Styrax tonkinensis tree is also used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.
Cultivation
The Styrax tonkinensis tree prefers a warm and humid climate and grows best in well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The tree is relatively easy to grow and maintain and has few pests or diseases.
Light Requirements
Styrax tonkinensis require a shaded environment with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight for prolonged periods can damage the foliage and stunt growth. It must receive a minimum of four hours of sunlight daily to grow optimally. The plant is suitable for growing in partially shaded areas or under the canopy of trees.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Styrax tonkinensis ranges between 20°C to 30°C. It is essential to protect the plant from sudden temperature changes, which can negatively impact growth. The plant is moderately cold tolerant and can survive in temperatures as low as 5°C. However, extreme frost can be fatal for the plant.
Soil Requirements
Styrax tonkinensis require moist, well-drained, and fertile soil. The soil should have a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant can grow in different soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soil. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, and it is crucial to ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Styrax tonkinensis (also called the Tonkin Fragrant Snowbell) grows best in warm and humid climates. It thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Plant it in an area with full sun to partial shade, depending on the climate.
The easiest way to propagate Styrax tonkinensis is through cuttings. Take cuttings that are four to six inches long from the tip of a healthy branch and root them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight as they take root. Once the cuttings have taken root and begun to grow, transplant them to their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Styrax tonkinensis prefers consistently moist soil but isn't tolerant of waterlogged soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Regular feeding with an all-purpose fertilizer is helpful for the growth of Styrax tonkinensis. Fertilize once a month from spring through fall, following the instructions for your particular fertilizer. Stop fertilization during the winter dormant period, as the plant is not actively growing then.
Pruning
Styrax tonkinensis generally does not require pruning, but trim any dead or diseased wood as necessary. Regular pruning of this plant is not recommended, as harsh pruning can reduce the plant's flowering potential in the upcoming season.
Propagation of Styrax tonkinensis
Styrax tonkinensis (Pierre) Craib ex Hartwich, also known as Chinese Snowbell or Tonkin Styrax, is a deciduous tree highly valued for its delicate white flowers and pleasant fragrance. Propagation of Styrax tonkinensis can be done through different methods such as seed propagation, grafting, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Styrax tonkinensis through seeds is possible but not the easiest method. The seeds should be collected as soon as the fruits ripen and then soaked in warm water for several hours. It is recommended to plant the seeds immediately after soaking them. The optimal temperature for germination is around 20-25°C. However, it can take some time, up to several months for germination to occur.
Grafting
Grafting is a more common method to propagate Styrax tonkinensis. The best time to graft is during the spring when the sap starts flowing. The scion is usually taken from a young shoot that has not yet flowered and grafted onto a rootstock of closely related species such as Styrax japonicus. After grafting, the plant is kept in a greenhouse or protected environment until the scion has taken hold and started growing.
Cuttings
Propagation of Styrax tonkinensis through cuttings is another option. Cuttings should be taken in early summer, before the first leaves start to turn yellow. Semi-hardwood cuttings of around 10-20 cm length should be taken from the stem and planted in a rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in well-drained soil mixed with sand and kept in a humid environment until roots start to form.
In conclusion, there are various methods to propagate Styrax tonkinensis, but grafting and cuttings are the most popular ones. These methods allow Styrax tonkinensis to be propagated in a relatively short period, and using stem cuttings guarantees the offspring will have similar genetic traits as the parent plant.
Disease Management
Styrax tonkinensis is generally a healthy plant and is not highly susceptible to diseases. However, certain environmental conditions may make it vulnerable to some issues like:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot diseases often occur in wet conditions, and it is characterized by brown or black spots on leaves. To manage this disease, you could remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly to prevent further infection.
Fungal infections
Fungal diseases can impact leaves, stem, or roots and cause damage to the plant's overall health. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overwatering and improve air circulation around the plant. Prune any affected branches to prevent the infection from spreading and apply a fungicide as required.
Pest Management
Styrax tonkinensis can be susceptible to a range of pests that can cause extensive damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny pests that colonize on the undersides of leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or a jet of water. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to your garden to control the population of aphids.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are soft-bodied and voracious feeders that can cause severe damage to the plant by eating through leaves or stems. Management of caterpillars includes manually removing them by hand, ensuring proper sanitation in the garden, and using natural predators like birds.
Scale insects
Scale insects often appear as small, hard brown bumps on the plant's leaves or stem, sucking sap from them. Manage scale insects by applying horticultural oil, removing infested plant parts, and introducing natural predators like predatory beetles to your garden.
By following these management strategies, you can keep your Styrax tonkinensis plant healthy and thriving in your garden.
