SCHIMA wallichii ssp. liukiuensis. China. A beautiful evergreen tree of the camellia family. It grows as much as 120’ high in its native forest, much less in cultivation. The trunks are well branched, and each stem has a lush covering of dark green, shiny leaves, narrowly oval in outline and up to 8" long. New growth is painted in bronze to purple shades. Cupped flowers over 2" across open near the shoot tips in summer. They are pure white with large central brushes of golden stamens, and have a sweet fragrance.
Schima is a forest tree from humid climates and needs protection from burning sun and dry winds. It is particularly good near the coast, in porous acid soil, with moderate to regular watering. Hardy to 20oF., perhaps less.