Common Name:

General Information

Neoshirakia japonica is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall.
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

Known Hazards

The sap is poisonous[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, central and southern Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Thin woods in the lowlands and mountains of C. and S. Japan[]. Moist forests at elevations from 100 - 400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Neoshirakia japonica is found in the warm temperate to subtropical regions of southern and eastern China, where it can be found in hardiness zones from 7 - 10. It is not very hardy in regions of the Temperate zone with cold winters, though it is known to tolerate several degrees of frost and has been grown successfully against a sunny wall in southern parts of Britain[]. A specimen seen growing outdoors at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire, England - but in the shade of other trees - was carrying a heavy crop of unripe seeds in September 1994[].
Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained fertile soil[]. Requires the protection of a south or south-west facing wall when grown in areas at the limits of its hardiness[].

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[, ]. Some caution is advised, since related species such as Triadica sebifera have a somewhat toxic oil in the seed[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - do not cold stratify the seed since this can lead to secondary dormancy. Sown in mid spring in a warm greenhouse, it usually germinates within 4 weeks[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for at least their first 2 winters and plant out in late spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.