The genus Radermachera consists of around 17 species that belongs to Bignoniaceae (The Trumpet Vine) Family. They are distributed mainly in southeast Asia, from the Himalaya to Borneo, Java, Sumatra and the Philippines, seven of them are found in China.

Radermachera sinica is a broad-leaved evergreen tree that is native to northern India, southern China, Taiwan and parts of South-East Asia. In its natural habitat is found in forests, riverbanks and bushy slopes between 300–1800 m. It is a large forest tree reaching a height of 30 m and a trunk diameter of 1 m. The genus name Radermachera came from, Dutch colonial administrator and botanist Jacob Radermacher (who was murdered during a mutiny at sea on his way home from Java at the age of just forty-two). The species name sinica means “from China”. Vernacular names are used in English such as China Doll (refer to the colour of the flowers) and Canton Lace (the intricate pattern of the leaves).

The  glossy dark green leaves of the China Doll are bipinnate, 20 to 70 cm long and 15 to 25 cm broad, divided into numerous small glossy green leaflets 2 to 4 cm long. The flowers are white to pale yellow, trumpet-like, about 7 cm long, and resemble a large Catalpa flower in shape. They are night-blooming and only last for one night, wilting in the morning sun. The highly fragrant blooms appear in spring to early summer. The brown seedpods are long and warped, leading to the common name “Serpent Tree“. Sea pods when became mature, they burst open to release several winged, papery seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

In European, particularly Dutch nurseries, mimics of naturally occurring growth regulators are applied to the stems of the Radermachera sinica to create a dense foliage and a dwarfed plant. Dwarfed plants in small pots, look like as a miniature tree, known as China Dolls, they are sold at nurseries and supermarkets. The dwarf habit can only be maintained indefinitely by the application of chemical growth regulators. Recent dwarf variations have been released, often referred to as the Asian Bell Tree. The foliage is highly attractive and is glossy, dark green, and lacy, it consistently grows to a maximum of 3 meters high and so makes a very popular indoor or patio plant.

China Doll is best grown in rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. The plant is not very frost tolerant but can take -4 ºC for a short time according to Palmiye Merkezi experience. In temperate climates, plants may be grown in containers as a houseplant. Propagation is done by stem cuttings or seeds.

Use in Landscape: Radermachera sinica is a versatile, beautiful and low-maintenance plant suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Ideal as an ornamental indoor plant due to its compact size and glossy green decorative foliage. The plant also could have quite a future as an accent plant in bedding schemes, both tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean climates for garden designs. Their fast-growing habit, dense evergreen canopy, making them a sustainable choice for urban landscaping projects. They will perfect shade trees in parks, courtyards, and residential gardens.