Species
Toona sinensis
Common Name(s)
Chinese toon, Chinese mahogany, red toon
Authority
Toona sinensis (A.Juss.) M.Roem.
Family
Meliaceae
Brief Description
Deciduous tree, often suckering from base. Mostly grown for its pink spring foliage that becomes a cream-yellow then green. In autumn the leaves turn orange-yellow. Flowers in pendulous panicles, small and white or pink.
Widely grown in New Zealand gardens and often suckers around planted specimens. In light soils the suckers can extend from garden area into lawns, paths and driveways.
Flora Category
Vascular - Exotic
Structural Class
Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs
Synonyms
Cedrela sinensis A.Juss
At least 20 synonyms given in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toona_sinensis
Features
Reputed to be the most cold-tolerant of all members of the Meliaceae
Flower Colours
Red / Pink,White
Year Naturalised
2009
Origin
Native to eastern and southeastern Asia, from North Korea, most of eastern, central and southwestern China, Nepal, northeastern India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and western Indonesia. (Wikipedia)
Reason for Introduction
Ornamental
Control Techniques
Root suckers (see under 'Habitat' above); often seen growing as a clump.
The toon tree "is more commonly grown as a clump due to its ability to produce numerous suckers.
This trait can pose problems if left unchecked or when the plant is growing in a confined area. Besides the sucker growth getting out of control and causing damage to paving and structures, it will interfere with neighbouring plants. Regular maintenance and control are important."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/life-style/gardening/2977858/Toona-catches-the-eye
This page last updated on 22 Jan 2016