China Doll Plant (Radermachera Sinica) Profile: Plant Facts & Benefits

China Doll Plant (Radermachera sinica), also known as serpent tree, emerald tree or Chinese doll tree, is often grown as a houseplant for its attractive, glossy, mid-green leaves. China doll plant is a fast-growing plant that can tolerate indoor low lighting conditions, which make it for an attractive addition to any indoor home garden collection. Native to the subtropical mountainous areas of Asia, China doll plants are evergreen trees that are a part of the Bignoniaceae family. 

China Doll Plant Picture

China Doll Plant Info

Botanical Name	Radermachera sinica
Common Names	China Doll Plant, serpent tree, emerald tree, China Doll Tree, Chinese Doll Plant
Plant Type	Broadleaf evergreen
Hardiness Zones	10–12 (USDA) when outdoors
Native Area	Asia
Mature size	4–6 ft. tall (indoors), 1–3 ft. wide (indoors)
Lighting Requirements	Full sunshine
Soil Care	Loose and fertile, good drainage, rich in organic matter culture soil
Watering	Keep soil moist

China Doll Plant Characteristics

China Doll Plant is a medium deciduous tree, up to 15 m high, with pale gray bark, deep longitudinal lobes and loose lumps.2 to 3 pinnate compound leaves, axis ca. 30 cm, glabrous. china doll plant leaves are alternate, middle leaves opposite, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, 4 cm to 7 cm long, apex caudate, entire, glabrous on both sides, petiole glabrous. Flowers bloom at night. Inflorescences are erect, terminal, 25-35 cm long, 30 cm in diameter, bracts linear-lanceolate, caducous. Calyx teeth of China Doll Plant are ovate-lanceolate, ca. 1.2 cm long. Corolla is campanula-funnel-shaped, white or pale yellow, 6 to 8 cm long, lobes rounded, wrinkled, ca. 2.5 cm. Capsule is leathery, columnar strip like kidney bean, slightly curved, more groove lines. China Doll plant is not poisonous.

China Doll Plant Native Habits

China Doll Plant likes high temperature, wet and sunny environments. China Doll Plant has high-temperature resistance, fear of cold, suitable for wet, avoid dryness. In valleys or open forests on flat ground. Loose, fertile, well drained and rich in organic matter loam and sandy loam should be used for cultivation. Most of them are distributed in valleys, flat areas and open forests at an altitude of 300 m to 850 m (Guangxi, Hainan in China) and 1100 m to 1700 m (south of central Yunnan in China).

Read More:
How to Propagate China Doll Plant
How to Care for China Doll Plant

China Doll Plant Distribution

Radermachera sinica is native to Taiwan, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan and other places, India, the Philippines, Bhutan and other countries also have distribution.

China Doll Plant Benefits

Medical Use

Roots, leaves and fruits of China Doll Plant can be used as medicine to cool blood and reduce swelling, treat high fever, bruises and snake bites. The timber is yellowish brown, qualitative slightly heavy, the growth ring is obvious, can be used for the construction material. Branches, leaves and roots are also used to treat bovine anthrax.

Ornamental Value

China Doll Plant is a small and medium-sized potted plant, can be placed in the balcony, bedroom, hall and other places. China Doll Plant with lush green leaves, full of vigor and vitality, can be used as a thriving plant, bringing happiness to people.

Feng Shui

China doll plants are of high ornamental value and can purify the air at home. The China doll plant is also very popular in China because of its symbolic meaning in Chinese feng shui.
As a green plant, China doll plant is very suitable for growing in the study. In Chinese feng shui, it has a very high role, which can help to promote the literacy. With the power, one can achieve superior study. Therefore, china doll tree is very suitable to be placed in the study.

Read Next:
China Doll Plant Care & Propagation Guide