Potential Ornamental Plants in Clusiaceae from China

Authors Zhang, Xinbo; Liu, Bo; Zhou, Yue; Liu, Zheng''ze; Li, Ping; Long, Chunlin

Journal XXV INTERNATIONAL EUCARPIA SYMPOSIUM SECTION ORNAMENTALS: CROSSING BORDERS , 2015,:1087

Abstract Based on field investigation of and literature study on family Clusiaceae (Guttiferae) in China, this paper deals with the morphological characteristics in terms of aesthetic purposes, natural distribution, status of resources, and ethnobotany of species with potential ornamental values. There are 8 genera and 95 species in Clusiaceae occurring in China. They grow mainly in tropical regions, except for Hypericum and Triadenum, which are commonly found in the temperate zone. Some Clusiaceae species are cultivated along streets, in parking lots, or in gardens, for their graceful shape, evergreen foliage, and large fragrant polyandrous flowers. In addition to aesthetic values, the plants of Clusiaceae can provide edible fruits, drinks, herbal medicines, dyes, oil-bearing seeds, valuable commercial resin or gum, and hard wood. With multiple uses, this family is considered as a very important group by the indigenous people in China for its economic purposes. Garcinia subelliptica is characteristically a coastal tree, which is often used as windbreaks, aesthetic trees and fences. In some ethnic minority areas, a few species even have special cultural and religious significance such as Mesua ferrea. The plants we recommend here as potential ornamentals comprise 34 species of trees, shrubs or herbs. Their horticultural characters and development strategy are presented and analyzed. A proposal for their effective conservation is also suggested.

Species covered 铁力木 Mesua ferrea 金丝桃属 Hypericum