Machilus thunbergii (03/04/2015, Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Japan)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 20m
Eventual Spread: 20m
Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Lauraceae
Machilus thunbergii Flower (03/04/2015, Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Japan)
Machilus thunbergii is an evergreen tree with a spreading habit . Its dark green leathery leaves are obovate with entire margins, up to 12cm long and 6cm broad. Its new leaves emerge bright red in spring. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 130cm. Its grey/ brown bark is scaly and falls off in chunks. Its lime green star shaped flowers are borne in spherical clusters. Its blue/ black fruit are berries.
Machilus thunbergii Leaf (03/04/2015, Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Japan)
Machilus thunbergii, commonly known as Japanese Bay Tree, Japanese Persea or Tabunoki, is native to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and south east China. In its native habitat it grows in wet forests and is a climax specicies. Machilus thunbergii is synonymous with Persea thunbergii.
The etymological root of the binomial name Machilus may be derived from a Moluccan name or named after an insect, Machilis, reader feedback would be welcomed on the naming of this genus. Thunbergii is named after Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828), a Swedish botanist and physician.
The landscape architect may find Machilus thunbergii useful as an attractive large specimen tree. High summer humidity/ rain is required for this tree to thrive.
Machilus thunbergii Bark (03/04/2015, Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Japan)
Ecologically, Machilus thunbergii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.Its fruit are attractive to some species of bird.
Machilus thunbergii prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Machilus thunbergii requires little maintenance.
