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Common Name:

General Information

Orixa japonica is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3.00 metres tall.
It 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 - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Woods, scrub and on cliffs, to 1300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any fertile soil in sun or part shade[, ]. Survives in fairly dry shady conditions[].
The leaves have a foetid smell[]. They are distinctly and pleasantly aromatic according to another report[] whilst another says that they release an orange-like pungency when pressed[].
Plants are hardy to about -15°c[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves cooked[, ]. Aromatic with a pleasant spicy odour[].

Medicinal

The plant is febrifuge[].

Other Uses

The plant can be grown as a hedge[]. It forms a dense light green barrier within 5 years[].

Propagation

Seed - one report suggests sowing the seed outdoors in the spring[].
If seed is in short supply we would recommend sowing it in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[]. Fair percentage[].
Root cuttings, 3cm long, December in a greenhouse. High percentage[].
Removal of self-layered branches at any time in the dormant season[].