Litsea
( LIT - see - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs includes many plants found in tropical and subtropical areas in North America and Asia. They are aromatic and produce inconspicuous flower inflorescences that range in color from greenish-yellow to white. Many plants in the genus are cultivated for their leaves and fruits. Grow these plants as ornamentals throughout the landscape, as additions to edible or herb gardens, or simply as specimens to admire.
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Litsea Species and Varietals
The genus Litsea is a member of the plant family Lauraceae, and includes almost 400 distinct species. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Lindera (Spicebush), Cinnamomum (Cinnamon), Persea (Avocado), and Laurus (Bay Laurel). The growing zones for these trees and shrubs vary depending on the species; for more information, consult the information below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Litsea australis (Brown Bollygum, Brown Bollywood, Brown Bolly Gum, Southern Brown Bolly Gum) This rainforest species is native to eastern Australia and forms a small to medium-sized tree that reaches up to 65 feet tall when mature. The base of trees is sometimes buttressed. Bark is irregular, rough and brown. Leaves are green, and undersides are hairy. Flowers bloom between January and June in the plant's native range, and are green or cream-colored. Best in USDA zones 10-13. |
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Litsea bindoniana (Big-Leaved Bollywood, Round-Leaved Bollywood) This small to medium-sized tree species is native to rainforests in Queensland, Australia. Leaves are large with yellow venation, dark green above and hairy underneath. Flowers are fragrant and bloom from March to May in the plant's native range. It is a great ornamental garden tree in tropical areas of the world and grows well in USDA zones 10-13. |
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Litsea calicaris (Mangeao, Tangeao, Tangeo) This species is endemic to the north island of New Zealand, and reaches up to 50 feet tall when mature. Bark is smooth and greyish-brown. Leaves are bluish-green, and have reddish venation. Flowers are very small and are typically green-yellow to cream-colored. These trees are prized for their strong, flexible wood. Best in USDA zones 10a-12b. |
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Litsea cubeba (Aromatic Litsea, May Chang, Mountain Pepper, Mujiangzi, Douchijiang, Maqaw, Exotic Verbena, Tropical Verbena, Chinese Pepper, Shānhújiāo, 山胡椒) These evergreen trees and shrubs reach between 16 and 40 feet tall. Fruits produced by this species are harvested for their lemony essential oil, and timber is used for woodworking. These plants are also used as a spice by the aboriginal peoples of Taiwan. Grows well in USDA zones 9-11. |
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Litsea garciae (Engkala, Engkalak, Kangkala, Pangalaban, Borneo Avocado, Garcia Nutmeg, Butter Fruit, Ta'ang) This species is native to Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. Trees reach up to 85 feet tall, and have dark green leaves. Fruits are harvested beginning at five years of age. They are used raw or cooked. Best in USDA zones 10a-12b. |
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Litsea glaucescens (Mexican Bay Leaf, Ecapatli, Laurel Silvestre, Laurel de la Sierra, Laurelillo, Falso Laurel) This species, native to Mexico, forms a shrub or small tree to 16 feet tall. Bark is thick and brown. Green leaves are long and thin, and are harvested and used similarly to Bay leaves in culinary applications. This species grows well in USDA zones 8-11. |
Caring for Litsea
Litsea trees and shrubs can be grown from seed or purchased as starts from a reputable specialty nursery. Young trees and shrubs will need protection from winds, as well as plenty of shade and moisture, so choose a sheltered spot for these tropical plants. Ensure that the space they are installed can accommodate their full size, which varies depending on the species. They can do well overall in full sun to partial shade, and are better at taking full sun when they are mature. If they do not get enough sun once established, they will drop leaves and become leggy. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly, keeping the soil moist for at least the first two years in the ground. Once established, they appreciate regular watering during their active growing, flowering, and fruiting periods in spring and summertime. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings, and avoid overwatering, as it can lead to issues with root rot. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing, flowering and fruiting seasons. Prune to help maintain the desired shape and size of the tree, and to improve air circulation through the canopy. The life span of a Litsea tree depends greatly on the variety grown and the growing conditions. In most cultivated garden spaces, they can be expected to live for at least 15-20 years before needing to be replaced.
Harvesting Litsea
Litsea trees and shrubs produce edible fruits as well as leaves that are used similarly to those of Bay trees. The fruits have a sweet creamy edible pulp that is compared to Avocado or sour cream. Keep in mind that Litsea are dioecious, meaning that both male and female plants need to be grown in close proximity if fruit and seed are desired. Fruits can be harvested singly by hand, or tree branches can be shaken with burlap cloth underneath on the ground. They are ripe when they have their full bright reddish pink color, which typically is achieved in late summer to early fall in most climates. In more tropical areas, fruits are available into wintertime. If fruits are ripe enough, they can be eaten raw. However, most consumers choose to soften the produce by pressing a spoon along the sides of the fruit and rolling it between your hands to soften it. The stem is then removed and the fruit is squeezed, which releases the creamy flesh as well as the large seed in the center. If fruits are not completely ripe yet, they can be left in warm water for a few minutes and then squeezed. The flesh is typically eaten sprinkled with salt, alongside rice, or pickled and preserved for enjoying throughout the off-season. Due to its milky flavor and consistency, it is being considered as a plant-based dairy substitute.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Water new plantings regularly, keeping the soil moist for at least the first two years in the ground. Once established, they appreciate regular watering during their active growing, flowering, and fruiting periods in spring and summertime. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings, and avoid overwatering, as it can lead to issues with root rot. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing, flowering and fruiting seasons. Prune to help maintain the desired shape and size of the tree, and to improve air circulation through the canopy. The life span of a Litsea tree depends greatly on the variety grown and the growing conditions. In most cultivated garden spaces, they can be expected to live for at least 15-20 years before needing to be replaced.
Harvesting Litsea
Litsea trees and shrubs produce edible fruits as well as leaves that are used similarly to those of Bay trees. The fruits have a sweet creamy edible pulp that is compared to Avocado or sour cream. Keep in mind that Litsea are dioecious, meaning that both male and female plants need to be grown in close proximity if fruit and seed are desired. Fruits can be harvested singly by hand, or tree branches can be shaken with burlap cloth underneath on the ground. They are ripe when they have their full bright reddish pink color, which typically is achieved in late summer to early fall in most climates. In more tropical areas, fruits are available into wintertime. If fruits are ripe enough, they can be eaten raw. However, most consumers choose to soften the produce by pressing a spoon along the sides of the fruit and rolling it between your hands to soften it. The stem is then removed and the fruit is squeezed, which releases the creamy flesh as well as the large seed in the center. If fruits are not completely ripe yet, they can be left in warm water for a few minutes and then squeezed. The flesh is typically eaten sprinkled with salt, alongside rice, or pickled and preserved for enjoying throughout the off-season. Due to its milky flavor and consistency, it is being considered as a plant-based dairy substitute.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Litsea shrubs and trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, and that seed-grown Litsea takes between 4 and 10 years to begin producing fruits. To propagate your Litsea, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Litsea by Cutting
Propagating Litsea by Seed
Propagating Litsea by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub or tree.
Propagating Litsea by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your berries or fruits. Litsea shrubs and trees produce fruits that will turn their final color (which varies, depending on the species grown) when they are ripe. Ripe berries will feel a little soft when squeezed. Take them off of the plant and cut them open to reveal the seed inside. Separate the seeds from the flesh, rinse them, and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to plant.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination can take between 15 and 45 days from sowing, and Litsea seeds have an 85% germination rate. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Seeds are found inside of mature fruits produced by various species of Litsea.
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Seeds can be relatively small or about the size of an Avocado pit, depending on which species they are harvested from.
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Problems and Pests
Litsea trees and shrubs can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Aphids
- Root Rot
- Crown Rot
Gallery
Litsea garciae fruits are sometimes called Butter Fruits because of their succulent white flesh.
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Leaves are used as a substitute for Bay leaves.
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Flowers are typically yellow to cream-colored, and bloom along branches.
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