Question
Hello. Would it be possible to grow a weeping willow tree in the tropics. Specifically N.Thailand. This may be a stupid question with the simple answer, no. Obviously i am better of growing indigenous plants and trees which i do love with there large broad leaves and jungle like feel but if it were possible i might find a place for a weeping willow in the garden.
As a boy i loved to see them beside the rivers of the UK and they always bring back great memories.
Any info on this subject would be appreciated and i am quite prepared to except a " no don't be a fool grow a banana tree!".
Yours sincerely
Patrick.

Answer
Yes. Willow trees are in the genus, Salix (a Latin word that means willow). They include 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs located throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The tree we know as Weeping Willow is actually a hybrid of Peking Willow (Salix babylonica), which originated in China, and the White Willow (Salix alba), which originated in Europe. According to N.C. State University Extension, the scientific name for Weeping Willow is correctly given as Salix babylonica.

Although the Peking Willow is native to Peking, China, today you will commonly find its offspring, Weeping Willow, growing throughout the continents of North America, Europe and Asia. This prolific species grows in practically every country in the world. In ancient times, White Willow trees were a very familiar sight throughout Europe, where they originated. Today, you will still find many varieties of willow growing throughout Europe alongside rivers, creeks and bogs. Willow trees and bark were transported worldwide because of the bark's pain-relieving properties. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, willow bark was used by herbalists to reduce fever and inflammation as far back as the time of Hippocrates in 400 B.C. Willow trees are very cross-fertile and many hybrids occur, both naturally and by human intervention. This is why they are so prolific throughout the world today.

You may find Weeping Willows growing anywhere in Asia, especially in China where the Peking Willow was born. Countries in Asia where you may find willows include: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.