Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands

Common name: Kodo wood

Family: Boraginaceae (Borage family)

Distribution: Kust van O-Australië, Japan, China, Filipijnen

Hardiness: Zone 07

Life form: Tree

Comments: This tree is native to East Asia and was introduced to England in 1827. Our specimen was planted in 1935. Ehretia acuminata is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of approximately 10 metres. Although hardy in its adult state, this tree is tender when young. Its twigs are grey. The leaves are obovate, with a serrated margin and pointed tip, and are 7-16 cm. long. The upper surface of the leaf has short hairs and the lower surface is smooth to slightly hairy. The flowers form pyramidal panicles, 7-20 cm. long, at the end of the branches. The flowers themselves are sessile, about 6 mm. in diameter, and fragrant. The corolla is yellowish-white in colour. Ehretia acuminata has edible fruits that are around 4 mm. in diameter and orange or yellow in colour. The genus Ehretia is named after the botanical illustrator Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770).