Gleditsia macracantha

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Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: gleditsia

Plant ID (slug): gleditsia-macracantha

Numeric ID: 24561

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Gleditsia macracantha is a deciduous Tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anaesthetic The twigs and the leaves contain the alkaloids gleditschine and stenocarpine[4]. Stenocarpine has been used as a local anaesthetic whilst gleditschine causes stupor and loss of reflex activity[4].

Known Hazards

None known

Detailed Information

Additional Information

Title: Gleditsia macracantha