Debregeasia longifolia aka Orange Wild Rhea

Debregeasia longifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the nettle family, Urticaceae. Its names include wild rhea and yanagi. Its native range spans China, tropical Asia, and Vanuatu. It grows in wet tropical climates across this broad range. Wild plants occur in forests and on old farm land. They also grow beside rivers and on moist mountain slopes.

In gardens, it can reach about 16 feet [5 metres]. Wider accounts give heights of 7–23 feet [2–7 metres]. The plant has slender stems and keeps its leaves year-round. Useful Tropical Plants describes its growth as fast. The sources give few details about leaf shape or bark. Plants For A Future lists flowers from July to September. It places seed ripening between October and February. The fruit reaches about half an inch across. The same source gives conflicting accounts of the flower sexes. This leaves the need for separate male and female plants unclear.

Grow it in rich loam that drains well but stays moist. It accepts sandy soils and clay as well. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. Light shade suits it, with shelter from strong midday sun. Woodland edges and sites with dappled shade fit its needs. Plants For A Future reports brief lows near 23°F [-5°C]. It also lists USDA zones 7–10, yet calls the plant frost tender. Treat that broad zone range with caution. In Britain, it may need a greenhouse through winter. Outdoor growth may work in the mildest sites beside a warm wall.

People gather this plant for food, fibre, and medicine. The fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. The stem bark yields strong fibre for rope and twine. The wood also serves as fuel. Traditional practice uses leaf juice on skin affected by scabies. This records a use, not proof of safe treatment. In Thailand, planting schemes use the species to restore forests. Its evergreen form also suits a sheltered woodland garden.

Plants For A Future reports no known hazards for this species. That does not establish safety for pets or every plant part. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases. They also provide no mature width for garden plants. Useful Tropical Plants reports an IUCN Least Concern assessment from 2019. It links this status to a wide range and large population. That account identifies no major current or expected threats.