Ehretia acuminata is a widespread species with much variation. Chinese and Japanese plants named as E. Thyrsiflora are not specifically different from the Australian type, and the varieties recognized by Johnston (J. Arnold Arbor. 32: 21. 1951) show no geographical correlations. Attempts to subdivide the complex have not been successful, and it seems most appropriate to apply the specific epithet in a very wide sense[].
In total 7 varieties have been distinguished[].

Common Name: Kodowood

General Information

Kodowood is a small to large tree with a dense canopy, usually ranging in height from 3 - 15 metres, though specimens up to 30 metres have been recorded in Australia[, ]. Usually evergreen, though it can become deciduous in dry times[]. The bole is straight and cylindrical[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local used as a food, medicine and timber source[]. The tree is also used for roadside plantings[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, India, Bhutan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia.

Habitat

Hills, open forests, thickets on slopes; at elevations of 100 - 1,700 metres in southern China[]. Margins of rainforests and disturbed rainforests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A very variable plant, found in the warm temperate to tropical zones.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter[].
A fast growing tree[].
Var. Pyrifolia is the tropical variety with smaller leaves[]. Var. Polyantha tends to have larger pubescent inflorescences and smaller flowers[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , ]. Insipidly sweet[]. The immature fruit is pickled[]. The fruit is an orange-yellow to red globose drupe, 3 - 7mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

The leaves and branchlets are used in Chinese medicine[].

Other Uses

The timber is used for building, flooring, cabinet making and furniture[, ].
The wood of var. polyantha is used in the Philippines for furniture, household utensils, carrying poles and other items requiring a strong tough wood[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it germinates rapidly when sown fresh[].

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