Tilia tuan

Tilia tuan is a deciduous tree in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range runs from southern China to Vietnam. It grows in temperate regions within that range. In western Hubei, it occurs in woods and thickets. There, it grows at 4,265–8,530 feet [1,300–2,600 metres] above sea level. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The tree reaches about 52 feet [16 metres] in height. Its growth rate is moderate. It suits the canopy layer of a woodland garden. Plants grow best in woodland conditions, away from exposed sites. Young trees can cope with some shade from the sides. Growth slows where summers stay cool. Such conditions can also prevent the tree from forming fertile seed.

Flowers appear from June to July. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them, and the tree provides food for bees. The seeds ripen from August to October. The tree also draws other wildlife to the garden. Seed raised in Britain may contain no living seed within its case. Fresh seed can sprout the next spring, but some takes longer. Stored seed may take as long as eight years to germinate.

Choose sun or partial shade and moist soil that drains well. A good loam offers the preferred growing medium. The tree also accepts sandy ground and clay. It prefers neutral to mildly alkaline soil but tolerates slight acidity. Very dry ground and very wet ground both cause poor growth. Shelter matters, since the tree dislikes exposed positions. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It also describes the species as resistant to frost.

Young leaves can be eaten raw, while dried flowers serve as tea. Ground fruits and flowers can form a paste used in place of chocolate. The paste spoils fast, which limited attempts to sell it. Flower tea also has recorded medicinal uses for spasms, sweating, and sedation. Inner bark yields fibre for rope and sandals. The wood has uses, though the source gives no details. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every person or pet. The same source does not flag the tree as weedy.