Description
Eucommia –
There is a single species of a dioecious, deciduous tree, in this genus. It originally occurs in woodland in Central China. It is grown for its habit and foliage, and also for a certain curiosity value: the simple alternate, ovate to elliptic, prominently veined leaves, if pulled across, will be held together by rubbery fibers. Petalless flowers are borne in spring before or with the foliage. The fruit is a winged nutlet, up to 1 ½” long. Grow as a specimen tree. A form of rubber can be extracted from the tree.
Grow in light, fertile, well drained soil in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold, drying winds.
E. ulmoides – Hardy Rubber Tree – Gutta – Percha Tree – This vigorous, deciduous spreading, broadly domed crowned, tree from Central China grows 40-60′ feet tall and half as wide. It has furrowed gray bark. It produces finely toothed, pointed, glossy, dark green leaves, 3-8″ long. Before or with the leaves it bears inconspicuous axillary, petalless green flowers are carried singly, sometimes in clusters. Female plants bear groups of winged green fruit.
Zones 4-7
