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Growing Trochodendron aralioides
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Trochodendron - Growing Guide

Growing Trochodendron aralioides

There is currently only one member of the genus trochodendron although it can vary in form and the latest new introductions from Taiwan are certainly distinct.

T. aralioides is an evergreen tree with glossy/shiny leaves which grows to around 60ft in Japan. This is rather taller than our elderly trees at Caerhays which are around half this height with a spread of some 20ft. The trees with us can be single stemmed or multi stemmed.

The ‘flowers’ are produced in upright terminal racemes in May or June. There are no petals or tepals and the flower heads are green and spherical. These flower heads swell and turn brown by autumn.

It has been said that the leaves and foliage resembles tree ivy but that is not to say the overall effect is unpleasant.

The tree is easy to grow in a woodland setting with wind protection for its leaves and spreading branches. It is not one which many will however recognise!

It can be propagated, like many evergreen trees, from late autumn cuttings or from seed sown in the cold frame in the autumn.