Schima superba
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Schima wallichii var. superba
- Phonetic Spelling
- SKEE-ma soo-PER-buh
- Description
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The superb schima is a tall, fast-growing, flowering evergreen tree in the tea family (Theaceae). It grows in subtropical regions of South China to Hainan, Nansei-Shoto to Taiwan, and Vietnam. The genus name, Schima, is derived from the Greek word for shadow, skiasma, and the species name superba means superb.
It prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained, acid soils. In its native habitat it is up to 65 feet tall and as much as 30 or more feet wide but may stay smaller in temperate conditions. The bark can cause contact dermatitis.
Valued as a fast-growing, evergreen, flowering tree, Superb Schima is best planted as a specimen tree or in a larger woodland garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Schima
- Species:
- superba
- Family:
- Theaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine; also has insecticidal and antifungal properties.
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China South-Central, China Southeast, Hainan, Nansei-shoto, Taiw
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 65 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- 24-60 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Fruits are subglobose capsules, .5 to .75 inches in diameter that mature late fall to early winter.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Showy, fragrant 5-petaled white flowers about 1 inch in diameter appear in summer in racemes of 4 to 8
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Crenate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Evergreen glossy, smooth leaves are 2.75 to 5 inches long and 1 to 1.5 inches wide, green on the upper surface and pale green underneath. The underside of leaves may be smooth or have sparse, downy hairs.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Fissured
- Bark Description:
- Bark has longitudinal fissures, but texture varies in smoothness and color varies from light brown to dark gray, depending on native habitat.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Woodland
- Design Feature:
- Flowering Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
