Meliosma cuneifolia

Meliosma cuneifolia is a deciduous tree of moderate size, and of rare elegance. It is attractive with large green leaves and a lovely late spring flowering of large, upright, fragrant, cream-white panicles. They are followed by small shiny black fruits, resembling blackcurrant berries.

Meliosma cuneifolia is a small spreading deciduous tree, with dark brown-black bark, originating from China and belonging to the Sabiaceae family. It measures 4 to 8m (13 to 26ft) in height, with a spread of 3 to 4m (10 to 13ft). Its foliage consists of large strongly veined and slightly dentate leaves, resembling those of chestnut and hornbeam. They are reddish when young, then medium green, before developing beautiful golden hues in autumn. They are ovate, measure 8 to 12cm (3 to 5in) long by 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) wide, widen from the base to the top, and are carried by a long petiole. The stems are matte black and covered with a fine down. From May to July, small deliciously scented flowers, with 5 cup-shaped, cream-white petals, bloom in large terminal upright panicles. They are followed by a fruiting in the form of small spherical black and shiny berries.

This medium-sized, sweetly scented flowering tree can be grown as a solitary specimen, or integrated into a group of trees and shrubs. Combine it with Japanese Angelica, Lamarck's Amelanchier, Japanese Snowbell, deutzia, White Horse Chestnut, or Chinese Lilac, for deliciously scented and flowering scenes.