Common Name:

General Information

Euscaphis japonica is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow from 2 - 8 metres tall, though is usually around 3 - 6 metres[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - most of China, central and southern Japan, Korea, Vietnam.

Habitat

Mountain valleys, open forests[]. Common in thickets and in thin secondary forests in lowlands and low mountains of central and southern Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[].
Succeeds in ordinary soil[].

Edible Uses

Young budlings[]. No further details are given.

Medicinal

The roots and dry fruits are used medicinally[, ]. No further details are given.

The plant contains compounds that show anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activities, and could also potentially be of benefit in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuro-inflammatory diseases[].

Other Uses

Tannin is extracted from the bark[].

An oil extracted from the seeds is used for making soap[].

An extract of the whole plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an emollient and skin conditioner[].

The wood is used for making furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no details for this species. We obtained stored seed in the spring and sowed it immediately. It took 12 months to germinate (only 1 seed germinating) and so possibly requires some cold stratification. Pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some winter protection for their first year or two outdoors.
Cuttings.