Lindera assamica

Lindera assamica is a large tree that stays green year-round. It belongs to the laurel family, Lauraceae. Its home range spans northeastern Nepal to Indo-China. Useful Tropical Plants gives the range as the Himalayas to Myanmar. Kew puts it in the subtropical climate zone. It grows in hill forests in Sikkim and Bhutan. Records there place it at 5,900–7,900 feet [1,800–2,400 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The tree keeps its leaves through the year. The sources give no firm height or crown width at full size. They give no bark or leaf shape details for this species. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. A lone tree cannot form seed with its own pollen. Both sexes must grow together to yield seed. The sources give no bloom months for this species. They give no clear account of its fruit.

Plants For A Future lists moist soil and light woodland shade. It lists sand, loam, and clay as soil types. Soil may be acid to neutral, or even very acid. The source says we know little about growing this tree. It does not say if the tree can live through British winters. Its full care notes cover the genus, not just this species. Those notes give no firm cold-hardiness rating for Lindera assamica.

People cut wild trees for timber. The wood is yellow at first. It turns olive-grey when exposed. Its grain is even, and its hardness is moderate. Builders use the wood to build, most often as planks. Plants For A Future lists woodland gardens and sunny edges as sites. Neither source gives a tested garden size or growth rate. The sources say more about timber use than garden growth. They give no pest or disease details for this species.

Useful Tropical Plants says to sow seed soon after it ripens. Seed soon loses its power to sprout and must not dry out. Young plants can grow in their own pots before planting out. The source lists two more ways to grow new trees. These are half-ripe cuttings and layering. Neither plant-use source lists a food use or use as medicine. Both report no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. No recorded food use gives grounds to eat any part.