Tetradium glabrifolium

RHS Plant Profile
smooth-leaved tetradium

Synonyms

Boymia glabrifolia

Shrubs Trees

A deciduous, large shrub or tree to 20m tall with aromatic, pinnate foliage to 40cm long made up of 3-19, papery, ovate to lanceolate leaflets. Sprays of small, green to yellow or white flowers are borne in summer and followed by rounded, fleshy, red seed pods that split open to reveal glossy, black seeds

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rutaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Tetradium can be deciduous or evergreen trees, with attractive pinnate leaves and sprays of small, cup-shaped flowers followed by dense clusters of small but colourful seed capsules
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings or by root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free