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1.Tetracentron Sinense — Overview
Tetracentron sinense, commonly known as the Chinese Tetracentron or Tetracentron, is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Tetracentraceae. This deciduous tree is native to China, specifically the provinces of Hubei, Sichuan, and Yunnan, where it typically inhabits moist, shaded forests at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,800 meters. The tree is characterized by its distinctive whorled arrangement of leaves, a feature uncommon in most dicotyledonous plants, which usually exhibit alternate or opposite leaf patterns.
The leaves are simple, ovate to elliptic, with serrated margins and prominent venation, turning a vibrant yellow in autumn. Its bark is grayish-brown and fissured, becoming more deeply furrowed with age. The flowers are inconspicuous, borne in pendulous catkins, and lack petals and sepals, relying on wind for pollination.
The fruit is a small, winged samara, dispersed by wind. Tetracentron sinense is a relict species, representing an ancient lineage of angiosperms, and its unique morphology makes it of significant scientific interest for evolutionary studies. It is a slow-growing tree, valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly its unusual foliage and autumn color, and is sometimes cultivated in botanical gardens and arboreta.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Tetracentron sinense
1.1 Wikipedia — Tetracentron sinense
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Tetracentron Sinense should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Tetracentron Sinense — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>["\u2713 Monotypic genus</strong> — ["\u2713 Monotypic genus in the family Tetracentraceae.", "\u2713 Native to moist, shaded forests in China (Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan).", "\u2713 Distinctive whorled arrangement of leaves.", "\u2713 Leaves are ovate to elliptic, serrated, with prominent venation.", "\u2713 Brilliant yellow autumn foliage.", "\u2713 Inconspicuous flowers in pendulous catkins.", "\u2713 Fruit is a small, winged samara.", "\u2713 Slow-growing, relict species of scientific importance."]
- ✓ <strong>Identified profile</strong> — Uses the accepted plant name and practical context for Tetracentron Sinense.
- ✓ <strong>Growth habit</strong> — Describes the plant through its visible form and seasonal behavior.
- ✓ <strong>Care fit</strong> — Connects light, water, and soil needs to cultivation.
- ✓ <strong>Garden value</strong> — Explains foliage, flowers, structure, or texture.
- ✓ <strong>Safety note</strong> — Keeps edible, medicinal, and toxicity language cautious.
- ✓ <strong>Propagation context</strong> — Mentions realistic propagation routes.
- ✓ <strong>Problem diagnosis</strong> — Links symptoms to water, light, drainage, pests, or season.
- ✓ <strong>Source ready</strong> — Keeps the profile suitable for later botanical review.
1.2.Tetracentron Sinense — Quick Summary
- Tetracentron sinense is a rare, deciduous tree native to China, distinguished by its unique whorled leaves and ancient lineage, making it a subject of scientific interest and an ornamental specimen.
2.Tetracentron Sinense — Scientific Identity
3.Tetracentron Sinense — Quick Facts
4.Tetracentron Sinense — Appearance & Identification
5.Tetracentron Sinense — Native Habitat
6.Tetracentron Sinense — Water Requirements
- Tetracentron sinense prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.
- It thrives in cool, humid climates and requires protection from strong winds.
- Propagation is typically done through seeds, which may require stratification, or by cuttings.
- Due to its slow growth and specific habitat requirements, it is best suited for specialized gardens or arboreta.
- Ensure adequate watering, especially during dry periods, and avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning is generally minimal, mainly for shaping or removing dead branches.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 16, 2026
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