Tetradium daniellii (21/09/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late summer to early autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Rutaceae
Tetradium daniellii is a deciduous tree with a spreading, umbrella like habit. Its glossy dark green leaves are odd pinnate and up to 40 cm long. It s leaflets are ovate with entire margins, up to 12cm long and 6cm broad. Its leaves turn green/ yellow in autumn before they fall. Its gray bark is textured. Its white fragrant flowers are up to 1cm across and appear as flattened corymbs and are up to 19cm across. Its red/ purple fruit are capsules and appear in autumn.
Tetradium daniellii Flower (21/09/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Tetradium daniellii, commonly known as the Bee Bee Tree, is native to east China and Korea. In its native habitat it grows at forest margins and open slopes. Tetradium daniellii is synonymous with Euodia daniellii.
The etymological root of the binomial name Tetradium is derived from the Greek tetra meaning ‘four’, in reference to the flowers and fruit parts appearing in four. Daniellii is named after William Freeman Daniell (1818-1865), a British army surgeon and botanist.
Tetradium daniellii Leaf (21/09/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Tetradium daniellii useful as an attractive, small specimen tree which is very attractive to bees.
Ecologically, Tetradium daniellii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to birds.
Tetradium daniellii prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Tetradium daniellii Bark (21/09/2013, Kew gardens, London)
Tetradium daniellii requires little maintenance.