How to Grow and Care for Machilus

Makko (Machilus thunbergii) is a massive evergreen tree that can grow to 27 m tall with a trunk diameter of more than 91 cm. The leaves are dark green and can change to lime green or crimson in spring. Bright green, star-shaped flowers bloom in spring. These round clusters of blossoms are replaced by dark blue berries in summer. Native to Japan, it thrives in warm climates.

Machilus nanmu is a large, broad-leaved tree that is harvested for its fragrant and valuable timber. It has long been used in China for everything from ornamental carvings and furniture-making to architectural beams and shipbuilding. Its scent and some qualities of its wood are cedar-like, although it is not a cedar.

The scientific name of machilus yunnanensis (Machilus yunnanensis) is named for its native Chinese state of Yunnan. This evergreen tree reaches great heights, and its gray-green leaves can be seen growing in broad-leaved forests and mountain slopes at medium altitudes. It blooms in delicate, yellow-green flower clusters.

Machilus japonica var. kusanoi is a broadleaf evergreen known for its lustrous, leathery leaves that sport a rich green hue. Distinctive in its graceful poise, the tree often exhibits clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that exude a subtle aroma, leading to berry-like fruit. Thriving in temperate regions, machilus japonica var. kusanoi's robust form and glossy foliage reflect its adaptability to both forested areas and urban landscapes.

Machilus japonica is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, showcasing glossy, elliptical leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in autumn. Its bark, subtly aromatic, contributes to its charm. In spring, modest clusters of yellowish flowers bloom, while its small, purple fruit harbors seeds significant for wildlife sustenance. Machilus japonica's adaption to rich, moist soils in its forested habitat speaks to its resilience and ecological role.