Alangium chinense aka Chinese Alangium

Alangium chinense belongs to the dogwood family, Cornaceae. Common names include Chinese alangium and Chinese cornelian cherry. It comes from tropical and subtropical parts of Africa and Asia. Its range includes China, India, mainland Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa. It grows in forest gaps, along woodland edges, and in thickets. Wild plants occur in both lowland and mountain sites.

In North American gardens, it forms a shrub or small tree. It reaches 8–15 feet (2.4–4.6 metres) tall. Its spread is 10–15 feet (3–4.6 metres). Wild trees can reach about 79 feet (24 metres). The plant has an upright form with an oval outline. Its bark is smooth and gray. Young twigs have hairs, which they lose as they age. The simple green leaves vary from narrow to broad. Their edges may be smooth, toothed, or lobed. Small tufts of hair grow on the leaf undersides. Plants may keep their leaves or shed them. Fall leaves can turn a soft yellow.

Small white flowers appear in spring and have a sweet scent. They grow in clusters called cymes. Insects pollinate the flowers. Oval purple drupes ripen from late summer into fall. The leaves, fruit, and plant size vary across its native range. Sources differ on growth speed, describing it as slow or fast. They do not give a clear reason for this difference.

Grow this plant in full sun with shelter from harsh exposure. It needs moist soil that drains well. Clay, loam, and sand can suit it. The soil may be acidic or neutral. North Carolina State lists USDA zones 7–11. Cold winters can kill the top growth. The plant can send up new shoots from its base in spring. It needs little pruning beyond shaping. Growers can raise it from seeds or stem cuttings. It suits hedges, containers, and Asian-style gardens. Gardeners also use it as a focal plant or small shade tree.

Possible problems include leaf spot, root rot, and bacterial blight. Spider mites, aphids, and scale may also attack it. Chinese and African herbal traditions use parts of the plant. These records do not establish safe or effective home treatments. Seed oil has served as lamp fuel. People use its wood for carving, furniture, and other indoor work. The wood lacks durability outdoors. The sources list no edible uses and no known hazards. That does not confirm safety for people or pets.