Debregeasia wallichiana
Taxonomy ID: 19897
Debregeasia wallichiana is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the nettle family (Urticaceae), reaching heights of 5-6 meters with trunk diameters up to 8 cm. The bark is brown, and the stout branchlets display conspicuous leaf scars measuring 3-4 mm. Young growth is covered with appressed pubescence.
The leaves are a distinctive feature of this species, crowded at the apex of branchlets with large oblong-lanceolate stipules measuring 12-20 × 2.5-5 mm that are 2-cleft at the apex. The leaf blades are broadly ovate to orbicular, measuring 7-18 × 6-16 cm, with a thinly papery texture. The upper surface is dark green while the underside displays the characteristic white or greenish-gray tomentose covering typical of the genus. The leaves are 3-veined from the base, with lateral veins reaching to the middle and anastomosing with 5-8 pairs of secondary veins. Leaf margins are sinuate-dentate.
Debregeasia wallichiana is dioecious, meaning individual plants bear either male or female flowers, but not both. Flowering occurs from July to August, with seeds ripening from September to October. Both male and female plants are required for seed production, as the species is not self-fertile.
Native to the Himalayan region and extending through South and Southeast Asia, this species is found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and southern China (Yunnan). It typically grows on subtropical forest slopes at elevations up to 2,100 meters, preferring moist conditions with some protection from intense afternoon sun.
The species is valued for its fiber, which is extracted from the bark and traditionally used for making twine and rope. Recent phylogenetic research suggests that D. wallichiana may be better placed in the genus Morocarpus, as analyses have found it falls outside the core Debregeasia clade.
More information about Debregeasia wallichiana
How difficult is it to care for Debregeasia wallichiana?
Debregeasia wallichiana is a challenging plant to grow outside its native subtropical habitat. It requires greenhouse protection in temperate climates like Britain and most of North America, as it is not very frost-hardy. The species also has specific requirements for consistent moisture, partial shade, and both male and female plants must be grown together if seed production is desired (as the species is dioecious and not self-fertile). However, it is adaptable to various soil types and can succeed when given appropriate conditions.
How often should I water Debregeasia wallichiana?
Debregeasia wallichiana prefers consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during warm weather or when grown in containers. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings but never let the root zone dry out completely. In its native subtropical forest habitat, it receives regular moisture, so replicating these conditions is important for healthy growth.
What soil does Debregeasia wallichiana need?
This species is quite adaptable regarding soil type, tolerating light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils. The ideal growing medium is a fertile, well-drained loam. It can handle a range of pH levels from mildly acidic through neutral to mildly alkaline. Good drainage is important to prevent root rot while maintaining the consistent moisture this plant requires. When potting, use a quality potting mix with added perlite for drainage.
How do I propagate Debregeasia wallichiana?
Debregeasia wallichiana can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Sow seeds from late winter to mid-summer in a greenhouse, barely covering them with soil. Germination typically occurs within 1-2 months at 20°C. Softwood cuttings taken in early summer also root well. Note that both male and female plants are needed for seed production as the species is dioecious.
How big does Debregeasia wallichiana grow?
Debregeasia wallichiana grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 5-6 meters (16-20 feet) in height, with trunk diameters up to 8 cm. It has a moderate growth rate typical of subtropical trees. The plant remains in leaf year-round and develops stout branchlets with conspicuous leaf scars. In cultivation outside its native range, size may be smaller, especially when grown in containers or cooler climates where growth is limited.
When and how does Debregeasia wallichiana flower?
Debregeasia wallichiana flowers from July to August, with seeds ripening from September to October. The species is dioecious, meaning individual plants produce either male or female flowers but not both. The flowers are small and relatively inconspicuous, typical of wind-pollinated plants in the nettle family. If you wish to produce seeds, you must grow both male and female plants in proximity as the species is not self-fertile.
Can Debregeasia wallichiana be grown outdoors?
In its native subtropical range (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, southern China), Debregeasia wallichiana grows outdoors at elevations up to 2,100 meters on forest slopes. In temperate climates like Britain and most of the US, it requires greenhouse protection as it is not very frost-hardy. Related species tolerate occasional lows to about -5°C (23°F). Outdoor cultivation may be possible in the mildest areas, especially against a warm, sheltered wall, or in USDA zones 9-11.
What are the uses of Debregeasia wallichiana?
The primary traditional use of Debregeasia wallichiana is for fiber production. A fiber is obtained from the bark and used for making twine and rope. This fiber-producing quality is shared with other species in the genus, which are valued throughout their native range for this purpose. The species has no documented edible or medicinal uses, unlike some related species which have edible fruits. In its native habitat, the plant may also provide ecosystem services as part of subtropical forest communities.
What temperature does Debregeasia wallichiana need?
As a subtropical species, Debregeasia wallichiana thrives in warm conditions and has limited cold tolerance. Related species in the genus tolerate occasional lows to about -5°C (23°F), but are damaged by sustained frost. The species requires greenhouse protection in temperate climates. It grows naturally at elevations up to 2,100 meters in the Himalayas, suggesting some adaptation to cooler temperatures at altitude, but it is not suited to cold winter climates without protection.
How is Debregeasia wallichiana pollinated?
Debregeasia wallichiana is dioecious, with individual plants bearing only male or female flowers. The species is likely wind-pollinated, as is common in the nettle family (Urticaceae). Both male and female plants must be grown in proximity for pollination to occur and seeds to develop. The seeds ripen from September to October following summer flowering. If you only have one plant, it will not produce viable seeds regardless of whether it flowers.
