Common Name: Japanese Storax

General Information

Styrax japonicus is a deciduous shrub or small tree with horizontal branching and a rounded crown; it can grow around 4 - 10 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. A very ornamental plant[], it is valued especially for its mildly fragrant flowers. There are some named varieties[, ].
Styrux japonicus has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Nepal, northeast India, Myanmar, southern and eastern China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines.

Habitat

Thickets and thin woods in mountains and hills all over Japan[]. Forested slopes; at elevations from 400 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Styrax japonicus , when dormant, can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°c[], but the young growth in spring is liable to be damaged by late frosts[].
Requires a light lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade[, ]. If planted out when young into a planting hole that has been filled with a light lime-free soil the plants will successfully grow into the surrounding soil[]. Prefers a warm sheltered position with protection from the morning sun[].
The plant is slow to establish itself and is slow growing[].
The sub-species Styrax japonicus fargesii is stronger growing in Britain[].
The flowers have an exquisite scent[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. The fruit is about 14mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The fruits are used as beads in rosaries etc[].
An oil is obtained from the seed[, ]. No further details are given.
Wood - fine-grained. Used to make umbrella handles[, ].

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification[]. Germination is usually good, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering in autumn.