Golden-rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Product description

The golden-rain tree is a striking sight with its yellow flowers and lantern-shaped fruits. The tree has many names, such as China tree, pride of India and varnish tree. This hardy tree belongs to the soap tree family and originates from large parts of Asia, including China, Korea and parts of Russia and Mongolia. The tree usually does not grow much taller than 7 metres and has graceful pinnate leaves that turn from yellow to orange in autumn. The leaves have deeply serrated edges and at the end of summer, the tree forms many clusters of small yellow flowers at the ends of its branches. The lantern-shaped fruits that follow change colour in autumn from green to orange to pink. The outer layer of the fruits also resembles leaves to some extent. The ripe seeds are edible when roasted.

Because of the ornamental value of the species, the tree has long been used in parks in temperate climates. The species was introduced to Europe and America in the 18th century, but was already planted in China during the Zhou dynasty, around 1000 BC, as a memorial tree. 

In temperate climates, the species can be kept as a garden plant. It is possible to grow the species in a pot first and then plant it in the ground later. The best season for this is autumn. The species can tolerate drought relatively well, but during very hot summers, the younger trees may need extra water. Protect the young trees from severe frost during the first few years. The tree can be pruned well. 

Sowing description: First store the seeds in the refrigerator for a few weeks and then sow them in seed and cutting compost at 15-20°C. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist and place in a light location. Germination can take several months and can continue as long as the seeds are hard.

Photo 1: Wikimedia Luis Fernandez Garcia