Heptacodium miconioides - Seven-son flower

Heptacodium miconioides, known as seven-son flower, is a rare, deciduous decorative shrub from the family of Caprifoliaceae. Originally from China, the plant was only discovered by western botanists at the beginning of the 20th century and later introduced into botanical gardens worldwide. Due to its decorative properties and its late flowering period, it has developed into an estimated garden plant.

Morphology and appearance

Heptacodium miconioides is a medium -sized shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 4 to 8 meters. The plant often grows in a multi -stamped manner, with a wide, irregular crown. Their bark is a striking feature: it is smooth, light brown to gray -brown and peels into strips, which makes the lighter layer below visible. This gives the plant a high decorative value even in winter.

The leaves are arranged, elongated to egg -shaped and about 8 to 15 centimeters long. They are dark green, with a slightly shiny surface, and have a pronounced triple nerve structure that is on the leaves of Miconia species reminds -hence the species name "miconioides". In autumn, the leaves turns yellowish before it falls off.

The flowers of Heptacodium miconioides appear in late summer until autumn, usually from August to October. They are small, white and heavily fragrant, arranged in a terminal, seven-blooded panicles, which gave the plant their name "Seven-son flower". After flowering, decorative, reddish to purple -colored fruit keys develop, which remain on the plant until the winter and offer an additional decorative value.

Distribution and habitat

Heptacodium miconioides are at home in their natural environment in the mountain forests of Central China, especially in the provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui and Hubei. There the species grows preferably on damp, sunny to partially shaded locations on well -drained, humus -rich soils.

Due to its rarity in nature and the increasing destruction of its habitat, the species is considered endangered. Thanks to botanical gardens and seed banks, it was successfully cultivated and spread worldwide.

Ecological importance

Heptacodium miconioides have an important ecological function because in late summer and autumn it offers a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies and other pollinators when many other plants are already faded. The reddish fruit spots remain over the winter and occasionally offer birds protection and food.

Use and care

Heptacodium miconioides is a popular garden plant because of its versatility and the long ornamental phase. It is used both as a solitaire and mixed plantings. Your late flowering period and the attractive winter aspect make you a valuable addition to parks and private gardens.

The plant prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and thrives in well -permeable, moderately damp soils. It is relatively easy to care for, but needs occasional pruning to promote a compact growth shape. Heptacodium miconioides is hardy up to about -20 ° C, so that it can also be cultivated in moderate climate zones.

Its rarity in nature makes it a symbol for the protection of endangered plant species. Many botanical gardens are devoted to the preservation and increase of this extraordinary way.