Emmenopterys henryi is a poorly known, but highly-prized, large (150′ tall) tree in the Rubiaceae (coffee) family. It was described by plant explorer, E.H. Wilson, as one of the most beautiful of the Chinese trees, yet, it was a tree, that for years, rarely flowered in cultivation. It’s namesake, Irish botanist, Augustine Henry, first discovered it in Yunnan, China in 1887.
Emmenopterys is both quite easy to grow, and propagate, rooting easily from cuttings. It’s flowering trigger was a mystery for years, before it was learned that long, hot summer was required to induce flowers. Despite being introduced to Western cultivation in 1907, it took 80 years for the first one to flower in the UK. In the warmer climate of Italy, plants began flowering regularly, in 1971.
I received a horticulturally shocking phone call in August 1994, from Maryland plant physiologist, Dr. Al Hirsh, that his Emmenopterys was coming into flower. This would be the third known tree to flower in cultivation, and the first in North America. J.C. Raulston and I had hoped to drive up together, but sadly, his schedule didn’t allow him to accompany me, so off I went to Silver Springs, Maryland to witness and document the blessed event in person.
The top two images are our JLBG plant, flowering this year. The third image is the massive specimen at the JC Raulston Arboretum. We expect this is largest plant in North America. The bottom photo is my feeble photographic attempt to document the August 26, 1994 flowering. Hardiness is Zone 6a-10a.
Below is my photo of August 26, 1994 of the first Emmenopterys flowering in cultivation.
Interesting! and rare. It should be very happy here in the Baltimore area, especially if our heat domes continue and increase in length.
Not to minimize it one bit but from a distance, it reminds me of my Clerodendrum in bloom!
How could I get a cutting or three to try and propagate it?
Check the Southeastern Plant Symposium auction in June for a chance to acquire one.