Aromatic litsea - Litsea cubeba (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Aromatic litsea

Also known as: Mountain pepper, Fragrant litsea

Litsea cubeba, the aromatic litsea or may chang, is an evergreen tree or shrub 5–12 meters high in the family Lauraceae. It is native to China, Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is called "mountain pepper" (山胡椒) in Mandarin and maqaw (馬告) by the Atayal aborigines in Taiwan. It produces a fruit which is processed for its lemony essential oil. The oil can also be extracted from the leaf, but this is considered to be lower in quality. The timber is sometimes used for making furniture and crafts. Plant parts are also used in medicine.

Scientific classification

Species

Aromatic litsea (Litsea cubeba)

Laurels, spicebushes and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

White, Yellow

Flower Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Aromatic litsea

Distribution of Aromatic litsea

Distribution Map

Aromatic litsea is a plant that is naturally found in the subtropical and tropical climates of Southeast Asia and the southern regions of East Asia. Its presence extends from the eastern Himalayas to parts of the Indo-China region, thriving mainly in forested areas of these continental locales.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Aromatic litsea

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Aromatic litsea thrives in humidity, resembling its tropical rainforest origin. It prefers consistent moisture, requiring watering every two weeks. As an evergreen, it retains foliage year-round, needing evenly moist soil without being waterlogged, especially indoors where humidity can vary.

Pruning: Aromatic litsea features aromatic leaves and fragrant flowers. Prune in early spring by removing dead wood and thinning overcrowded branches to enhance air circulation and growth. Proper timing and technique boost vigor and flowering, but avoid over-pruning to prevent plant stress.

Propagation: Aromatic litsea is a perennial plant that propagates well through cuttings. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots, use a sterilized tool, and remove lower leaves. Dip ends in rooting hormone, plant in sterile media, and provide bright, indirect light with consistent moisture to encourage root growth and prevent rot.

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Images of Aromatic litsea

Distribution of Aromatic litsea

Care Guide for Aromatic litsea

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