Common Name:

General Information

Hovenia acerba is a deciduous tree that can grow 10 - 25 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China, India, Nepal, Bhutan

Habitat

Forests, forest margins, slopes, open places; at elevations up to 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows well in a fertile sandy loam in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in full sun to moderate shade, tolerating a wide range of soils so long as they are well-drained.

Edible Uses

The fruiting rachis is thick, rich in sugar, and edible[]. It is also used for making wine and sugar[].

Medicinal

The fruiting rachis is used medicinally[]. No more details are given, but the uses are likely to be the same as for the closely related Hovenia dulcis - these are as follows:-

Both the fruits and the fleshy peduncles are considered to be antifebrile, diuretic, hepatic, laxative and quieting to the stomach[, ]. Remarkable antivinous properties are also attributed to them - it is said that after the ingestion of large quantities of alcohol the use of this drug will prevent any intoxicant or poisonous action[].
Research has shown that the plant has an effect on reducing blood sugar levels and also exerts a protective influence over the liver - it is most effective if taken 30 minutes before the ingestion of alcohol (when it can reduce levels to 17% of control), though it is also somewhat effective if taken at the same times as alcohol (to 50% control levels), and also has some effect if taken after alcohol.

Other Uses

The fine, hard timber is good for building construction and making fine wood furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates freely if sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed should be scarified and sown in early spring[], it may not germinate for a year. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts and give some winter protection for their first couple of years outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a frame[].