Toona sinensis is also known as Chinese toon and Chinese mahogany. It is a fast-growing deciduous tree, growing up to 25 m tall with a trunk up to 70 cm diameter. It is a source of valuable hardwood, similar to mahogany.

A deciduous tree that can have a variable habit from a single trunked columnar habit to a broader tree with multiple stems.

It has distinctive peeling brown bark and the leaves are compound with many aromatic, glossy light green leaflets that are pinkish when young.

White or green flowers are borne in spring but are not that significant - it makes a good shade tree for large landscapes, particularly parks.

How to Grow Toona Sinensis

Seeds are best sown in the spring or fall. Sow the seeds once the last frost has passed. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Chinese toon prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-8.0.

The optimal germination temperature for toona sinensis is 25 C°. Soaking the seeds for 24 hours in room temperature water will significantly help with germination.  The seeds can be started in pots or with moist paper towels.

Starting with Pots: Fill pots with sterilized potting soil. Sow the seeds no more than 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil continuously moist, and never let it dry out.

Using Towels: You can use cloth or paper towels. Soak the towel and squeeze out the excess water; the sheets just need to be damp and moist. Then spread the seeds evenly over the towel and cover over so that the seeds are wrapped in the towel. Keep at room temperature and use a mister to keep the towels moist. Germination takes 6-14 days. When the seedlings have at least two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted outside. Continue to water them just enough to keep them in moist soil.