Stewartia monadelpha | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Theaceae |
Genus: | Stewartia |
Species: | S. monadelpha
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Binomial name | |
Stewartia monadelpha | |
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]
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]
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]
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]