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Common Name: Kinugasaso

General Information

Kinugasa japonica is a

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Japan.

Habitat

Humus-rich soils in woodlands, N. Japan[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep well-drained woodland or humus-rich soil in a somewhat shady position that remains moist in the summer[, ]. Prefers a neutral to slightly acid soil[]. Grows well in open woodland[]. Succeeds in a sunny position if the soil does not dry out[].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
Any transplanting is best done whilst the plants are in flower[].
Plants can flower in two years from seed[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. No more details are given.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a shaded cold frame as soon as it is ripe[, ]. Stored seed should be sown in late winter or early spring. Seed usually germinates within 1 - 3 months at 15°c. Another report says that seeds produce a root after the first cold stratification but no shoot is produced until after a second winter[]. The seedlings are prone to damp off and must therefore be given plenty of fresh air[]. The young plants need to be overwintered in a cold frame for the first year and can then be planted out in late spring. It is very important that the pots become neither too dry nor too wet[].
Division with care when the plants die down after flowering[].