Litsea

( LIT - see - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This 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 plants, and produce inconspicuous flower inflorescences that range in color from greenish-yellow to white. 

Litsea Species and Varietals

The genus Litsea is a member of the plant family Lauraceae, and includes almost 400 distinct species. 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.

Litsea australis (Brown Bollygum, Brown Bollywood)
This rainforest tree 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.

Litsea bindoniana (Big-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 plant in tropical areas of the world.

​Litsea calicaris (Mangeao)
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.

Litsea cubeba (Aromatic Litsea, May Chang, Mountain Pepper, Mujiangzi, Douchijiang, Maqaw)
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.

Litsea garciae (Engkala, Engkalak, Kangkala, Pangalaban, Borneo Avocado)
This species is native to Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. Plants reach up to 85 feet tall at the most, and has dark green leaves. It produces fruits beginning at five years of age that are cultivated widely in the plant's native range. They are used raw or cooked.

Litsea glaucescens (Mexican Bay Leaf)
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 as Bay leaves. 

Caring for Litsea

Young plants need protection from winds, as well as plenty of shade and moisture. 

Harvesting Litsea

Propagation

Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.

Problems and Pests

Elettaria plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on common garden problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery

Videos

All about Lipstick Trees.
How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.

Resources

Wikipedia: Litsea
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