Tetradium

Tetradium, also known as Bee-bee Tree or Korean Evodia, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae (citrus family). It is native to eastern Asia, ranging from southeastern Russia and Korea south to central China and Vietnam.

Description: Tetradium species are typically deciduous trees or shrubs, reaching heights of up to 20 meters (65 feet). They are characterized by their compound leaves, arranged alternately on the branches. The leaves usually consist of 5 to 11 leaflets. The bark is typically smooth and gray or brown in color.

Flowers: The flowers of Tetradium are small and white or cream-colored, arranged in large, showy clusters called corymbs or panicles. These flower clusters are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, hence the common name "Bee-bee Tree." Flowering occurs in late summer or early autumn, providing a valuable late-season nectar source for insects.

Fruit: The fruit of Tetradium is a capsule containing several small, dark seeds. The fruits persist on the tree into winter, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife.

Taxonomy: The genus Tetradium has undergone taxonomic revisions over time. Some species formerly classified under Tetradium have been reclassified into other genera, such as Euodia. The most widely recognized species include Tetradium daniellii (Korean Evodia) and Tetradium ruticarpum (Evodia rutaecarpa).

Cultivation and Uses: Tetradium daniellii is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks for its attractive foliage, showy flowers, and value to pollinators. It is relatively fast-growing and adaptable to a range of soil conditions. Tetradium ruticarpum is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The fruits of T. ruticarpum are used to produce an extract called Evodiamine, which is being studied for its potential pharmacological properties. The wood of Tetradium species is sometimes used for woodworking, but it is not considered a commercially important timber species.