LIQUIDAMBAR formosana Bonsai

Tall fast growing conical deciduous tree from China similar in appearance to the more common North American cousin but with tri-lobed leaves.
Exhibits beautiful autumn colour of red orange and purple, leaves may persist in to winter before falling. Young growth is burgundy in colour.

Produces a fragrant sap used in Chinese medicine as an antiseptic and in perfumery.

Adaptable to most soils and positions, drought and frost resistant.

Grow notes:

Pre-treatment of scarification & stratification is recommended for this species. This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator or alternatively over wintering in the garden in cold climates will assist germination.

Cold treatment is not critical for germination to occur but should give increased germination rates.

Seed are best sown in spring. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 16-22°C

1. Place the seed in a container and pour in just boiled water and allow to soak overnight.
2. The swollen seed can then be sown, re-treat others.
3. Sow seed on surface of a porous seed raising mix and press down level with the surface.
4. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed. Do not bury seed deeply.
5. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
6. Ensure the mix is moist but not water logged.
7. Place the container in plastic bag.
8. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.
9. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
10. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
11. Germination generally occurs in 14-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.

General note: Seeds of many plants are dormant and may require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.