About
Semi-evergreen to evergreen tree about 17m tall, with pale grey to creamy coloured bark and hairy branchlets. Produces panicles of yellowish male flowers and single female flowers on the same tree, during summer, followed by large yellow or reddish, ovoid fruits that release winged seeds. Oval, leathery, dark green leaves are 40cm long or more.
About the genus
Itoa is a genus containing species of varied habit, from compact perennials to larger woody plants. Members are valued in horticulture for their flowers, foliage, or overall form and are found in diverse habitats worldwide
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen, Evergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toChina to Vietnam
Care notes
CultivationIn mild and frost-free areas, grow in well-drained, neutral to acid soil, in full sun in a warm, dry position such as a courtyard or against a south-facing or west-facing wall; in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, in a mix of peat-free potting compost and grit, in full light and low humidity. Water moderately during the growing season and sparingly in winter
PruningPruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs)
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite if grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free