Where is the origin of osmanthus? A detailed introduction to the distribution of its main producing areas

The fragrance of osmanthus is charming, and it is an excellent garden tree species that combines greening, beautification, and fragrance, with both ornamental and practical value. So, do you know where the origin of osmanthus is?

1. Where is the origin of osmanthus?

Osmanthus is native to the eastern section of the Himalayas in southwestern China. In addition, wild osmanthus grows in Sichuan, southern Shaanxi, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui, Henan, and other parts of China. It is now widely cultivated in the Huai River basin and areas to the south, and several nationally famous osmanthus commercial production bases have formed, including Lu'an in Anhui, Xianning in Hubei, Taoyuan in Hunan, Suzhou in Jiangsu, Guilin in Guangxi, Wuhan in Hubei, Hangzhou in Zhejiang, and Chengdu in Sichuan.

2. What major cultivar groups of osmanthus are there?

1. Four Seasons Osmanthus cultivars

Four Seasons Osmanthus is a clumping shrub with a relatively low tree form, short and dense branches, and a round spherical crown. New leaves are dark red, while mature leaves are green or yellow-green. The leaves are elliptic to broadly ovate. Flower buds are often solitary or stacked in groups of 2-3, blooming in batches from September each year to the following March. The floral fragrance is relatively mild and not as rich as that of Silver Osmanthus, Golden Osmanthus, or Red Osmanthus. Common cultivars of Four Seasons Osmanthus include Large-leaf Four Seasons Osmanthus and Small-leaf Four Seasons Osmanthus. Varieties that bloom in all four seasons include Yueyuegui, Rixianggui, Large-leaf Fodingzhu, and Chiyesijigui.

2. Red Osmanthus cultivar group

Red Osmanthus is dioecious, with a round spherical crown, light gray and relatively smooth bark, and leathery leaves that are long elliptic or elliptic. The leaf surface is relatively smooth, with a bluntly pointed or shortly pointed apex, and the reticulate veins are obvious on both sides. The petiole is 8-10 mm long. The flowers are orange-red, the corolla is slightly incurved, and the fragrance is light. The flowering period is from late September to early October. Cultivars include Large-flower Red Osmanthus, Toothed Red Osmanthus, Cinnabar Red Osmanthus, and Broad-leaf Red.

3. Golden Osmanthus cultivar group

Golden Osmanthus has a round spherical crown, strong tree vigor, upright and very dense branches, gray bark, and round or elliptic lenticels. The leaves are dark green and elliptic. The flowers are yellow with a strong fragrance, and it does not bear fruit. It blooms in autumn, with flowers ranging from pale lemon yellow to golden yellow. Golden Osmanthus cultivars include Large-flower Golden Osmanthus, Large-leaf Yellow, Huangchuan Golden Osmanthus, Late Golden Osmanthus, Round-leaf Golden Osmanthus, Xianning Late Osmanthus, Ball Osmanthus, Round-petal Golden Osmanthus, Willow-leaf Su Osmanthus, Jinshi Osmanthus, and Wave-leaf Golden Osmanthus.

4. Silver Osmanthus cultivar group

Silver Osmanthus has a round spherical crown, spreading large branches, dense branches and leaves, light gray bark, and numerous and large lenticels. The leaves are green or dark green, long elliptic or elliptic, relatively broad and thick, with a flat leaf surface. Silver Osmanthus blooms around early September, with flower colors from creamy yellow to lemon yellow and a rich fragrance. Silver Osmanthus cultivars include Broad-leaf Seed Silver Osmanthus, Willow-leaf Silver Osmanthus, Hard-leaf Silver Osmanthus, Seed Silver Osmanthus, Jiulong Osmanthus, Early Silver Osmanthus, Late Silver Osmanthus, Baijie, Pure White Silver Osmanthus, and Qingshan Silver Osmanthus.

Osmanthus is widely used for ornamental cultivation in gardens. Osmanthus tea made with osmanthus as a raw material is a Chinese specialty tea. It has a mild fragrance and a pleasant taste, and is loved by the public. Therefore, planting an osmanthus tree has many uses.