Chinese Mahogany Toona sinensis 'Flamingo' (v)
ABOUT
The Chinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' is an ornamental plant celebrated for its striking foliage. The plant's most distinctive feature is its leaves, which emerge in a brilliant shade of soft pink in spring, resembling the flamboyance of flamingo feathers. As the leaves mature, they transition through shades of cream and eventually settle into a variegated green, with the tips often retaining a pinkish hue, creating a multi-colored effect. The leaves of the Chinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' are pinnate, meaning they have multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis, giving them a feather-like appearance that adds to the plant's overall delicate and exotic aspect. The leaflets are lance-shaped with pointed ends and a smooth or slightly serrated edge, contributing to the fine texture of the plant's canopy. During the warmer months, the Chinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' may produce small, fragrant white flowers that add to its ornamental value. The blossoms can be quite inconspicuous against the foliage but contribute a gentle, sweet scent to its surroundings. The branches and trunk of the plant are graceful and spreading, providing an elegant structure even in the absence of leaves during colder seasons. The bark is typically smooth, adding another layer of subtle aesthetics to this garden favorite. Overall, the Chinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' is a visually captivating plant that offers a colorful and ever-changing palette through the seasons, making it a beloved choice for adding a splash of color and elegance to landscapes and gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Meliaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Toon, Chinese Mahogany, Red Toon, Flamingo Tree, Vegetable Tree, Chinese Cedar
Common names
Cedrela sinensis A.Juss., Surenus sinensis (A.Juss.) Kuntze, Toona sinensis (Juss.) M.Roem.
ToxicityTo humans
The Chinese mahogany is generally considered non-toxic to humans. This tree is often cultivated for its leaves, which are used in various cuisines as a vegetable. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with the Chinese mahogany because it is not known to be poisonous to humans.
To pets
The Chinese mahogany is not widely recognized as toxic to pets. In fact, this plant is commonly used as a food source in some cultures, suggesting it is relatively safe. However, it is always possible for individual animals to have a unique reaction to any plant. If a pet ingests a part of the Chinese mahogany and shows signs of illness, it is important to consult a veterinarian. Generally, there are no widespread reports of toxicity or symptoms of poisoning in pets from this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
25 feet (7.62 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Toona sinensis 'Flamingo', also known as Chinese Mahogany, is valued for its striking pink to white spring foliage which matures to a bright green, adding aesthetic appeal to landscapes.
- Shade Provider: With its broad canopy, the Chinese Mahogany offers a cooling shade, making it suitable for parks and large gardens.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Birds and other wildlife are attracted to the tree for shelter and the seeds it produces.
- Timber Production: The wood of Chinese Mahogany is of high quality, used traditionally for fine woodworking and furniture making due to its durable and aromatic properties.
- Erosion Control: The tree’s root system helps stabilize the soil and can prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Culinary Use: Young shoots of the Chinese Mahogany are edible and used in some Asian cuisines, adding a unique flavor to dishes.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant Activity: Toona sinensis leaves have been found to exhibit antioxidant properties, which may help protect the body from oxidative stress and associated diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: The plant has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation, notably in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anticancer Potential: Some studies suggest that compounds found in Toona sinensis, such as methyl gallate and gallic acid, may have anticancer properties.
- Liver Protection: There are indications that Toona sinensis could aid in protecting the liver and improving liver function, although further research is needed.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Toona sinensis extracts have shown activity against certain bacteria and fungi, indicating potential use in treating infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The timber of Chinese Toon is reddish-brown and is valued for making furniture and decorative carvings.
- Ornamental value: Due to its striking pink to red foliage in spring, Chinese Toon is often planted in gardens for aesthetic purposes.
- Perfumery: The flowers of the Chinese Toon can be used to extract essential oils for creating fragrances.
- Dyeing fabric: The leaves and bark can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles.
- Insect repellent: The strong aroma of Chinese Toon leaves may deter certain insects.
- Privacy screens: Fast-growing and dense, the Chinese Toon can be used to create living privacy screens or windbreaks in landscaping.
- Folk crafts: The seed pods and leaves can be used in dried flower arrangements and other decorative folk crafts.
- Photography: Its vibrant springtime foliage makes it a popular subject for photographers, especially in landscape and nature photography.
- Education: Chinese Toon can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth cycles and leaf color changes.
- Biomimicry: Designers and engineers can study the leaf structure of the Chinese Toon for inspiration in creating energy-efficient building cooling systems that mimic its shade-providing capabilities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese Toon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese Toon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection - Toona sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Mahogany, is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its symbolism of protection stems from its use to ward off diseases and evil spirits.
- Longevity - Chinese Mahogany is durable and long-lasting, making it a symbol of longevity in cultural traditions.
- Healing - The healing properties of the leaves and bark in traditional medicine practices lend this tree a symbolic meaning of healing and health.
- Prosperity - In some cultures, the Chinese Mahogany is regarded as a plant that brings good fortune and prosperity, owing to its valuable wood and beneficial properties.
- Elegance - The variegated 'Flamingo' cultivar, with its graceful pink foliage, is often associated with beauty and elegance in a garden setting.
WaterThe Chinese toon (Toona sinensis 'Flamingo') should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that moisture reaches the roots, typically receiving around 1-2 gallons of water per week depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. It's essential to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season, in spring and summer when the plant has higher water requirements, check the soil moisture frequently, and water as needed. Reduce watering in the fall and further in winter when the plant's growth slows down and its water requirements decrease.
LightThe Chinese toon prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in areas with hot summer climates, while in cooler climates, it can tolerate and benefit from full-day sun exposure.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the Chinese toon is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations, especially sudden frosts that can damage new growth.
PruningPrune the Chinese toon to maintain its shape and encourage more robust growth, usually during late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is also essential to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which should be done as needed throughout the year. Thin out the center of the plant to increase air circulation and light penetration, and cut back any overly vigorous shoots to maintain a balanced framework.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 5.5-7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sand works well, ensuring it remains moist but not waterlogged.
RepottingChinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' requires repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, to refresh the soil and allow for continued growth.
Humidity & MistingChinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a wide range of conditions and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Chinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Chinese Mahogany 'Flamingo' in partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleToona sinensis 'Flamingo' (v), commonly known as Flamingo Chinese Cedar, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, emerges as a small seedling with characteristic pinkish young leaves. As the seedling grows, it develops a woody stem and branches, entering the juvenile phase, where foliage starts to turn to a creamy-yellow and green variegation as it matures. The tree then enters its reproductive phase, producing small, white flowers that are fragrant and attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers develop into winged seeds that disperse, allowing for propagation of new plants. As it matures, Flamingo Chinese Cedar can reach heights of up to 25 meters, with a broad, rounded crown, and the leaves settle into a more uniform green color with age. The plant may live for many years, going through cycles of flowering and seed production annually until it eventually senesces and dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Toona sinensis 'Flamingo', commonly known as the Chinese Mahogany 'Flamingo', is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most effective during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. To propagate using this method, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves is taken from a healthy parent plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium, and kept moist and in a warm location with indirect sunlight. A plastic cover can be used to retain humidity around the cutting, promoting root growth. Roots typically develop in several weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outside conditions and eventually transplanted to its permanent location.