Styphnolobium japonicum (pagoda tree)
The pagoda tree was introduced to Britain in 1753; Kew’s own specimen is believed to date back to 1760.
Species Information
- Common name(s): pagoda tree
- Conservation Status: Widely cultivated and therefore unlikely to be threatened on a global scale.
- Habitat: In China, thickets and upland forest on rocky mountain slopes.
- Known hazards: None known
Taxonomy
- Class: Equisetopsida
- Subclass: Magnoliidae
- Superorder: Rosanae
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Leguminosae
- Genus: Styphnolobium
About this species
Although its Latin name, Styphnolobium japonicum, implies that the pagoda tree is a Japanese plant, it is in fact native to China. The species was first described under the name Sophora japonica, based on cultivated material from Japan, and thus the choice of species name. It was introduced to Britain in 1753 by the famous nurseryman James Gordon, and it is believed that one old veteran specimen tree at Kew is one of an original five planted in the Gardens in 1760. They are thought to have been the first in the country. Collectively these original trees are known as Kew's "Old Lions".
The pagoda tree’s common name probably arose because it was often planted in the grounds of Buddhist temples. Some of the original pagoda trees in the gardens at Kew were planted near to the Pagoda (built in 1761), presumably because of their Chinese origins and its common name. It is still popular as an ornamental, due to its showy inflorescences (flowering panicles) of creamy white flowers.
Geography & Distribution
The pagoda tree is native to China but for a long time has been cultivated and naturalised in Japan, from where the species was originally described. Styphnolobium japonicum is widely cultivated elsewhere in the world, including in the UK.
Description
Fine old specimen of Styphnolobium japonicum in the grounds at Kew (Image: Brian Schrire)
Styphnolobium japonicum is a deciduous tree, 15 to 25 m tall, usually branching low down when growing in the open but capable of forming a tall, clean trunk. The bark of mature trees is grey and corrugated (similar to ash trees); while the leaves are pinnate and composed of 7-17 ovate to oval leaflets. Its flowers are slightly over 1 cm long and creamy white in showy terminal panicles. Its fruits are 3-12 cm long, necklace-like and hairless, and 1-8-seeded.
Styphnolobium japonicum apparently does not flower when young; flowering normally only commences when the tree is 30-40 years old. Old trees flower freely, especially after hot summers. Most flowers fall early to form a dense white carpet on the ground. The pagoda tree at Kew usually flowers in September, whereas in its native China it flowers in August/September and fruits in October/November.
Threats & Conservation
The pagoda tree's conservation status in China is not known; however the tree is widely cultivated and therefore the species is not threatened on a global basis.
Uses
Styphnolobium japonicum flowering branch (Image: Gwilym Lewis)
The pagoda tree is grown as an ornamental and for its durable timber, which is used for furniture and construction. The leaves and flowers are edible but the pods are toxic. Yellow and grey dyes extracted from the pods have been used in the silk and batik industries.
Styphnolobium japonicum is used in traditional medicine in Asia, where the flower buds are used for their haemostatic and astringent properties. Despite their strong purgative properties, extracts of the leaves and fruits were once used in China to adulterate opium.
References & Credits
Bean, W. J. (1970-1981). Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles, 8th edn. John Murray, London.
Chen, J. K., Chen, T. T. (2004). Chinese Medicinal Herbology and Pharmacology. Art of Medicine Press, California.
Khanh, T. C. (1999). Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott. In: de Padua, L.S., Bunyapraphatsara, N. and Lemmens, R. H. M. J. (eds). Plant Resources of South-East Asia 12(1): Medicinal and poisonous plants 1. Backhuys, Leiden.
Kite, G.C. and Pennington, R.T. (2003). Quinolizidine alkaloid status of Styphnolobium and Cladrastis (Leguminosae). Biochem. System. Ecol. 31: 1409-1416. Access this article online
Pennington, R.T., Stirton, C.H. & Schrire, B.D. (2005). Tribe Sophoreae. In Lewis, G., Schrire, B., Mackinder, B. & Lock, M. (2005). Legumes of the World, pp, 227-249. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sousa S.M. & Rudd VE. (1993). Revision del genero Styphnolobium. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 80: 270-283.
Kew Science Editor: Gwilym Lewis
Kew contributors: Olwen Grace, Sustainable Uses Group
Copy editing: Kew Publishing
While every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in these pages is reliable and complete, the notes on hazards, edibility and suchlike included here are recorded information and do not constitute recommendations. No responsibility will be taken for readers’ own actions. Full website terms and conditions
- Print friendly
- Send to a friend
-
Send to a friend Close
- Spread the word
-
Spread the word Close
- Blog this
- Donate
Fact Box
Agaricus arvensis
horse mushroom
On account of its white cap, the horse mushroom has also been called the ‘snowball mushroom’ in New Zealand.
Related Tags
- ancient
- ornamental
- of use
- flowering
- medicinal
- edible
- common
- weed
- tasty
- wild
- passionate
- new
- newly discovered
- extraordinary
- rare
- clever
- healing
- valuable
- scarce
- massive
- collectable
- unusual
- discovered
- around the world
- adventurous
- ancient
- historical
- interesting
- amazing
- beautiful
- inspiring
- landscapes
- mysterious
- big
- pretty
- ground breaking
- fragrant
- creative
- fun
- imaginative
- exotic
- vibrant
- essential
- english garden
- garden plants
Plant & Fungi News from Kew
The Millennium Seed Bank joins seed swap events
31 Jan 2012
Following the success of our Great Seed Swap, held at Wakehurst Place on 17 September 2011, the Millennium Seed Bank is supporting seed swap events around Sussex and further afield this year.
7 likes
0 comments
Kew is recruiting a new Director
30 Jan 2012
After six years at Kew, the current Director (CEO and Chief Scientist), Professor Stephen D. Hopper FLS will be returning to Australia to take up a Chair in Biodiversity at The University of Western Australia.
14 likes
0 comments
GIS surveys in New Guinea
13 Dec 2011
Kew botanists have helped to survey the vegetation of Biak Island, off the north coast of New Guinea.
5 likes
1 comment
Welcome to Stephen Hopper's blog
by: Prof. Stephen Hopper, 04 Dec 2009
A successful 250th anniversary year for Kew.
- 123 likes
- 4 comments
World's smallest waterlily brought back from the brink of extinction at Kew
Kew’s top propagation ‘code-breaker’, horticulturist Carlos Magdalena, has cracked the enigma of growing a rare species of African waterlily. The 'thermal’ lily (Nymphaea thermarum) is believed to be the smallest waterlily in the world, with pads that can be as little as 1 cm in diameter.
84 likes
4 comments
Director (CEO and Chief Scientist) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to return to Australia
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew announced today that Director (CEO and Chief Scientist), Professor Stephen Hopper FLS will step down in autumn 2012 after six years in the job.
74 likes
0 comments
