Family: Salicaceae
Author: Maxim.
Bibliography: Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Pétersbourg, sér. 3, 10: 485 (1866)
Year: 1866
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Idesia
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. China to Temp. E. Asia
Description
The Idesia tree, scientifically known as Idesia polycarpa, is a notable member of the family Salicaceae. This deciduous tree is native to a range stretching from southern China to temperate regions of Eastern Asia, demonstrating a wide adaptability to various climatic conditions.
First described in 1866 by the botanist Carl Johann Maximowicz, the Idesia tree was documented in the Bulletin of the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Saint Petersburg. Maximowicz’s observations highlighted its distinctive characteristics and broad geographical spread, making it a significant subject of botanical interest.
The Idesia tree is admired for its aesthetic and ecological value. It typically reaches heights of up to 30 meters, with a broad, spreading canopy that provides ample shade. The tree’s leaves are large, heart-shaped, and bright green, turning to a striking yellow in the autumn. This seasonal transformation adds visual interest to any landscape.
One of the most captivating features of the Idesia tree is its vibrant, crimson fruit which appears in clusters. These berries not only add to the tree’s ornamental appeal but also serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife, thus promoting biodiversity.
The tree’s flowers, although small and not immediately conspicuous, are equally fascinating. They form in pendant racemes and exhibit a delicate greenish-yellow hue. Flowering typically occurs in late spring, followed by the development of fruits through the summer.
Idesia polycarpa has also found various uses in traditional practices. Some cultures utilize parts of the tree for their supposed medicinal properties, although such uses are more anecdotal than scientifically verified. Additionally, the tree’s robust nature and resistance to pollution make it an excellent choice for urban planting, contributing to its popularity in public and private gardens alike.
In summary, the Idesia tree, with its historical botanical significance, ecological benefits, and decorative charm, stands as a remarkable specimen in the diverse family of Salicaceae. Whether admired for its seasonal beauty, wildlife support, or urban resilience, Idesia polycarpa continues to captivate and contribute to the botanical world.
Common Names
Eng: idesia tree
Swe: idesia
En: Idesia tree, Idesia
Zh: 山桐子
Cs: Idesie mnohoplodá
Fi: Iigiripuu
Ko: 이나무
Sv: Idesia
Zh-tw: 山桐子
Synonyms
- Polycarpa maximowiczii (Linden ex Carrière)
- Idesia polycarpa var. longicarpa (S.S.Lai)
- Idesia polycarpa var. angustifolia (Diels)
- Idesia polycarpa var. vestita (Diels)
- Idesia polycarpa var. fujianensis ((G.S.Fan) S.S.Lai)
- Idesia polycarpa var. latifolia (Diels)
- Idesia polycarpa var. intermedia (Pamp.)
- Idesia fujianensis (G.S.Fan)
- Cathayeia polycarpa ((Maxim.) Ohwi)
Distribution
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- New York (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Frank Van den Bergh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2020 by Alekos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Mario Bernasconi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Mario Bernasconi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2017 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Mario Bernasconi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)
Taken Oct 29, 2015 by EOL − Mike Lusk (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Se Ho (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Oct 12, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2017 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2021 by hanne stawarz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Se Ho (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 1, 2000 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2000 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Judy Hoile (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by quinodoz philippe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by quinodoz philippe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2020 by gregor meier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2019 by Noëlle Dorion (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Craig Roger (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6043516)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:111768-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Idesia polycarpa Maxim.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree