Chinese Toon (Toona sinensis) is a deciduous tree native to eastern and southeastern Asia. It is a fast-growing tree that can adapt to various soil types and pH levels, preferring moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

Cultivation

Chinese Toon can be grown as a shade tree, specimen tree, or street tree. It is often cut back to maintain a shorter shape and promote more growth. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 70 cm.

Edible Parts

The young leaves of Chinese Toon are edible and have a floral, yet onion-like flavor. They are used in Chinese cuisine and can be eaten raw in salads, stir-fried with egg, pickled, or roasted and dried. The young leaves with red color are considered to have a better flavor than those with green leaves.

Cultivation Methods

Researchers have developed methods for tissue culture of rare varieties of Chinese Toon. The young leaves can be used to make Toona paste, which is used as a condiment to serve with plain rice porridge or to enhance the flavor of a dish or soup.

Safety

The content of nitrite in Chinese Toon leaves is safe to eat, but the amount will increase over time, making it unsuitable for long-term storage. The quercetin contained in the leaves can induce cell cycle arrest and lead to apoptosis of cells.

Symbolic Significance

In Chinese literature, Chinese Toon is often used symbolically, with a mature tree representing a father. This is reflected in the phrase ?wishing your Toona sinensis and daylily are strong and happy,? which is used to express best wishes to a friends father and mother.