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Stewartia monadelpha

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Stewartia monadelpha
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Theaceae
Genus: Stewartia
Species:
S. monadelpha
Binomial name
Stewartia monadelpha
Siebold & Zucc. (1841)
Synonyms

Stewartia sericea (Nakai)

Stewartia monadelpha, known as tall stewartia or orangebark stewartia, is a deciduous shrub or multi-stemmed tree native to the temperate rainforests of Japan.[2] Stewartia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. The genus name Stewartia is in honor of 16th century Scottish botanist, John Stuart.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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Tall stewartia is endemic to Japan and primarily grows in cool, montane temperate rainforest zones; specifically, south-central Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku islands.[2][3] It is also cultivated in other countries as an ornamental plant.[3]

Description

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Its appearance varies from a sturdy shrub too a small tree with orange or cinnamon-brown colored bark.[4] It typically grows to a height of 20–25 ft (6.1–7.6 m) but has been known to reach 80 ft (24 m).[5] As the plant matures its form changes from a pyramidal crown to become more open with horizontal branches reaching outwards.[5] The dark green leaves are elliptic and oblong in shape and have serrated edges, growing to approximately 2–4 in (51–102 mm) long, and turn red in the autumn.[5] In June, small cupped flowers appear, growing 1–1.5 in (25–38 mm) wide the flowers are white with yellow stamens, similar in appearance to camellia flowers.[2]

Ecology

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This plant grows best in partial shade, but having an excellent heat tolerance, is able to grow well in full sunlight. In terms of soil, tall stewartia can tolerate well-drained clay, loam, sandy, and acidic soils.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Rivers, M.C. (2018). "Stewartia monadelpha". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T62086251A62086257. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T62086251A62086257.en. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Stewartia monadelpha (Hime-syara Stewartia, Orangebark Stewartia, Tall Stewartia) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu.
  3. ^ a b "Stewartia monadelpha (SWTMO)[Overview]| EPPO Global Database". gd.eppo.int. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Stewartia monadelpha". www.vdberk.co.uk. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "Stewartia monadelpha" (PDF). Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. Retrieved 28 May 2022.