

How to identify Chinese alangium (Alangium chinense)
Chinese alangium is notable for its dual nature of foliage, displaying evergreen attributes in warmer southern regions and deciduous behavior in colder northern climates. It has the potential to be a small tree or a large shrub, usually subject to regional variations. It is recognized by its lush leaves and the presence of distinctive fruit. This species tends to endure dieback under extreme weather conditions. Mature specimens can exhibit considerable resilience when established in suitable habitats outside their native range.
Fragrant white flowers with 5-8 petals, forming star-like clusters.
Oval purple drupes with glossy skin, ripening to deep purple.
Smooth greenish-brown stem under 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter, branching frequently.
Silky smooth grey bark, lacking deep furrows, with increasing girth over time.
Leaves measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, variously shaped with yellow fall coloring.
The leaves of chinese alangium measure between 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length and 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) in width. They exhibit a range of shapes from narrowly elliptic to broadly ovate, with an acute to mucronate apex and a rounded, subcuneate to subcordate base. The margins are generally entire to slightly undulate, occasionally displaying palmately lobed patterns on young plants. The leaves turn a muted yellow in the fall.
The flowers of chinese alangium are small, white, and remarkably fragrant. Each flower has 5-8 slender petals that spread out gracefully, creating an elegant star-like shape. The blossoms are typically around 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. Blooming in clusters, they emanate a pleasant scent that is especially noticeable during their blooming season in late spring to early summer. These charming flowers are a key identification feature of chinese alangium, offering a stunning display against the plant's foliage.
The stem of chinese alangium is initially pubescent, exhibiting fine, soft hairs when young, which later become glabrous, losing the hairs to become smooth. Its texture transitions from slightly fuzzy to silky smooth with age. Stems are slender but robust, typically branching out frequently. The color is usually greenish-brown, adding a subtle vibrancy to the plant's structure. Overall thickness may vary but generally remains under 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, assisting in easy identification of the species.
The fruit of chinese alangium is an oval purple drupe, a fleshy fruit with a single hard stone encasing the seed. It typically matures in the late summer to fall period, suggesting a seasonal fruiting pattern. The smooth skin of the drupe often carries a glossy sheen when ripe, providing an attractive aesthetic quality. Its size and weight are modest, making the fruit easily handled. While not overly large, it has a distinctive hue that shifts to a deep purple upon reaching full ripeness, offering a visual cue for harvesting.
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Scientific Classification of Chinese alangium