About Radermachera sinica (Hance) Hemsl.
Radermachera sinica (Hance) Hemsl. can reach up to 30 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. Its leaves are bipinnate, 20 to 70 cm long and 15 to 25 cm broad, split into many small glossy green leaflets that are 2 to 4 cm long. The flowers are white and trumpet-shaped, around 7 cm long, and have a shape similar to large Bignonia or Catalpa flowers. These flowers bloom at night, only last one night, and wilt in morning sun. Blooms appear from spring to early summer and have a strong fragrance. Its brown seedpods are long and twisted, which gives the species the common name "serpent tree". When seedpods mature, they burst open to release multiple winged, papery seeds that are dispersed by wind. Radermachera sinica is often sold as a small houseplant, cultivated for its attractive glossy leaves, and it does not usually flower when grown indoors. To thrive, it needs plenty of light and moisture. Like most houseplants, wilted leaves signal either too little or too much water. New dwarf cultivars have been introduced, often called Asian Bell Tree. This variety has very attractive glossy, dark green, lacy foliage. It consistently grows to a maximum height of 3 meters, making it a very popular plant for indoor or patio placement, and it needs a spot with indirect sunlight. It can be grown outdoors in tropical to subtropical regions, as well as areas with a Mediterranean climate. It should be planted in rich, well-drained soil in a location with full sun to part shade, and protected from drying winds and frost, which it cannot tolerate.
