Xanthoceras: planting and care
Xanthoceras, also known as chekalkin nut, is a deciduous ornamental plant from the Sapindaceae family. It can grow as a tree or shrub and is appreciated for its beauty and the health benefits of its fruit, which look similar to walnuts.
The plant originally comes from northern and eastern China, Korea, and Mongolia. It is not picky about climate, making it easy for even beginner gardeners to grow and take care of chekalkin nut.
Depending on where it is grown, xanthoceras usually forms a small tree or shrub that does not grow taller than 3 meters. This plant can live for many years—up to 200—when planted in the same spot.
As it grows, it develops many shoots and a pyramidal shape. Its leaves are lacy with jagged edges, shiny, and up to 5 centimeters long. The leaves look similar to rowan leaves, which is why the plant is sometimes called xanthoceras rowan-leaved. In autumn, the leaves change color from dark green to yellow.
In spring, xanthoceras produces long clusters of flowers called racemes, which can be up to 25 centimeters long. These flower clusters contain many small, star-shaped buds with white petals, a yellow center, and a pleasant smell.
The flowers are bisexual, meaning they contain both male and female parts. After pollination, the buds turn burgundy-red in the center. The plant blooms for about three weeks, usually starting in May. With good care, it can bloom as early as the second year after planting.
After flowering, the plant develops fruits that are round and green while growing. When fully ripe, the fruits turn dark brown. Inside, there are five or more edible seeds that are also dark brown. The fruits have a tough skin and are rich in nutrients like fatty acids, minerals, essential oils, and fiber. Eating the fruit can help improve digestion and clean out the intestines.
Consuming xanthoceras seeds regularly offers other health benefits. It can help calm the nervous system, increase blood hemoglobin, and make blood vessels more flexible. It also helps protect the body from bacteria and viruses.
The main warning is not to eat too many seeds. For adults, about 100 grams per day is enough. The seeds can be eaten raw, fried, boiled, dried, ground into flour, and added to food. The flowers and leaves are also edible. Flowers can be used in jams, and leaves can be added to salads.