Laurel-leaved snail tree | |
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Conservation status
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![]() Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Ranunculales |
Family: | Menispermaceae |
Genus: | Pachygone |
Species: | P. laurifolia
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Binomial name | |
Pachygone laurifolia (DC.) L.Lian & Wei Wang (2020)
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Synonyms[2] | |
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Pachygone laurifolia, the laurel-leaved snail tree, is a medium-sized, shrubby evergreen tree of the moonseed family, Menispermaceae. It is native to the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains, China, Taiwan, and Japan,[3] where it commonly grows to a height of 25 ft, with an equal spread. In cultivation it can reach a similar size where conditions are favorable.[4] Form is round-headed, with a medium to fast growth rate and a coarse texture. Leaves are ovate-lanceolate, about 6" long by 2" wide, with a spiral bud arrangement. Leaf color is medium green. This species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Flowers are insignificant: small, yellowish and appearing in spikes at leaf axils.[5] Fruit is a small (6 mm) black drupe. With frequent shearing, plants may work well in a formal setting as a hedge or screen. Will take a wide range of sun and soil conditions within its temperature tolerance.