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Common Name:

General Information

Xylosma japonica is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25.00 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

Near seashores, C. and S. Japan[]. Woodlands in Korea[]. Forest margins, thickets on hills, plains, surrounding villages at elevations below 800 metres in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun or light shade in most well-drained soils[]. Tolerant of poor rocky soils[]. Judging by the plants native habitat in Japan, it probably tolerates maritime exposure[].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[]. Even in the milder areas of the country it usually only makes a small tree or shrub[].

Edible Uses

Root - baked[].

Medicinal

The ashes of the stem bark are mixed with water and used to treat jaundice scrofula, sores, tumours etc[]. They are also used to speed parturition[].

Other Uses

Tolerant of clipping, the plant can be grown as a formal hedge especially in areas cooler than its native range where it only develops into a shrub or small tree[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least 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, mid summer in a frame[].