Chu-lan tree (Aglaia edulis)

Overview

The Chu-lan tree (Aglaia edulis) is an exotic broadleaf evergreen hailing from the forests of Southeast Asia, offering significant aesthetic value to warm-climate gardens. Its notable attributes include showy, sweetly fragrant orange-yellow flowers that appear in early summer, making it a rewarding specimen tree. Gardeners appreciate this species for its upright structure and year-round foliage, though it requires specific subtropical conditions to thrive outdoors.

As a member of the mahogany family (Meliaceae), Aglaia edulis typically reaches a manageable height of 20 to 30 feet in cultivation. Beyond its beauty, the Chu-lan tree offers practical benefits; the fruit produced on female trees features an edible aril that is sometimes gathered in its native range. Successful cultivation hinges on providing well-drained soil and protection from frost.

This Near Threatened species provides an intriguing piece of the tropical landscape, blending attractive foliage with aromatic blooms. Proper placement in full sun to part shade ensures the best performance for this medium-maintenance evergreen.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Meliaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 20-30 ft
  • Spread: 20-30 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Orange-yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Ideally, establish Aglaia edulis in its permanent location during the warm season, ensuring the soil is medium moisture, moderately fertile, and exceptionally well-drained. It prefers full sun but benefits from some afternoon shade protection during intense heat, especially in the hottest regions of Zones 10 and 11. Good drainage is paramount to prevent root issues common in overly wet conditions.

Maintenance is moderate. Water the Chu-lan tree consistently during dry periods, aiming for medium moisture levels; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, but never let the entire root ball desiccate. Due to its tropical origins, this tree thrives in normal room temperatures and requires a minimum winter temperature of 60 degrees F.

Container culture is highly recommended for gardeners in marginal zones. Use clay pots, which offer good aeration, and move containers outdoors in late spring only after all danger of cool temperatures has passed. Bring the containerized Aglaia edulis indoors by early fall before evening temperatures dip near 40 degrees F. Remember that the species is dioecious; if you desire the ornamental fruit, both male and female flowering plants must be present for pollination. Propagation is usually done via cuttings or air layering.

Landscape Uses

The Chu-lan tree is perfectly suited as a flowering specimen where its fragrant blooms can be enjoyed, or as a structural element in subtropical layered plantings. Its 20 to 30-foot mature size makes it suitable for mid-story layering beneath taller canopy trees or as a striking focal point in a mixed perennial border. While sometimes gathered for timber, in the landscape, focus on its ornamental display.

For those in its suitable hardiness range (Zones 10-11), consider planting it near seating areas or entryways to maximize the enjoyment of its aromatic flowers during the June and July bloom time. Pairing Aglaia edulis with other moisture-tolerant, well-drained tropicals like certain palms or gingers can create a lush, cohesive look. Its evergreen nature ensures structure throughout the winter months, providing year-round interest.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Aglaia edulis, known commonly as aglaia, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree within the mahagony family, native across numerous Asian countries found mostly on limestone hillsides up to 5,000 feet. It develops odd-pinnate compound leaves, each featuring 3–6 pairs of lanceolate leaflets, and produces numerous 5-petaled orange-yellow flowers in axillary panicles. When pollinated, female trees yield oval fruits encased in a fleshy, succulent, edible aril that ripens between August and October.

Tolerances

No specific tolerances were provided for this entry.

Potential Problems

Aglaia edulis generally exhibits resilience against serious insect or disease issues when grown in appropriate conditions. Gardeners should remain vigilant for occasional infestations of scale insects or mealybugs, particularly on indoor or stressed container plants. Immediate treatment using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil upon spotting pests will keep these minor threats under control and protect the health of your Chu-lan tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Chu-lan tree suitable for?

The Chu-lan tree is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10 and 11.

How large does Aglaia edulis grow?

In cultivation, Aglaia edulis typically grows to a height and spread between 20 and 30 feet, though wild specimens can reach significantly larger dimensions.

What sun exposure does Aglaia edulis need?

This tree performs well in full sun to part shade conditions, often appreciating some relief from the most intense afternoon sun.

When does Aglaia edulis bloom?

The orange-yellow flowers of Aglaia edulis generally appear from June to July.

Conclusion

The Aglaia edulis, or Chu-lan tree, offers the subtropical gardener a uniquely fragrant flowering specimen with the added bonus of edible fruit from female trees. Its manageable size and status as a year-round evergreen make it a valuable addition to the landscape palette. Ensure you check local USDA zone compatibility and provide it with excellent drainage before planting this beautiful Asian native.

Companion Planting

Companion planting for Aglaia edulis should focus on species that share similar needs for high light levels and well-drained soil, avoiding areas prone to root saturation. Consider pairing it with subtropical architectural plants like various types of hardy palms (e.g., Chamaerops humilis if your climate allows, or hardier Rhapis species) that thrive in similar sun exposure. For underplanting, use low-growing, drought-tolerant flowering shrubs if established in the ground, or select containers with species that appreciate moderate, consistent watering schedules.

Design Ideas

The upright habit and evergreen structure of the Chu-lan tree lend themselves well to formal or structural design elements. Use it as a specimen marker at the edge of a property line or as a sentinel flanking an entrance path, allowing its fragrant blooms time to interact with foot traffic. In contemporary tropical designs, its medium stature provides an excellent transition between low groundcovers and high canopy layers, offering texture contrast against broad-leafed, solid-green tropical foliage.