Alangium
Alangium platanifoliumfam. Lythraceae
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Pl. 6C32 — Alangium platanifolium
Alangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifoliumAlangium platanifolium
IOverview
Overview
Alangium platanifolium, commonly known as Alangium, belongs to the Lythraceae family and is native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Primorye, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy from zones 6-10 and can grow up to 3 meters tall. Alangium is notable for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens not only for its ornamental value but also for culinary use.
Quick answers
What is Alangium?
Alangium platanifolium, commonly known as Alangium, belongs to the Lythraceae family and is native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Primorye, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Alangium thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-10 and grows to a height of about 3 meters. For propagation, you can use cuttings or seeds. The edible parts include the leaves.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-10
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Alangium for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Alangium in a sunny spot with well-draining soil for a simple gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Alangium plants, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Alangium in spring or early summer when the weather is mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young Alangium plants from nursery pots into your garden or use containers if you're growing in a pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells and mulch around the base for moisture retention. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Alangium plants in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough sunlight, and using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Alangium are edible and can be used fresh or cooked. They are typically prepared by steaming or stir-frying to add a mild flavor to dishes. Skip the raw consumption as they may require cooking for better taste and texture.
Other uses:Pest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 8 native· 1 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Romania
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lythraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lythraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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