Xylosma japonica
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Flacourtiaceae
- Genus
- Xylosma
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 25 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
The leaves contain a glycoside[3]. We are not sure if this means that it is poisonous[K].
Edible uses
Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails[3]. The leaves contain a glycoside[3], see the notes above on toxicity.
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
The ashes of the stem bark are mixed with water and used to treat jaundice scrofula, sores, tumours etc[5]. They are also used to speed parturition[5].
- Product or use
- Oxytoxic
- Product or use
- Poultice
Material 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[4].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
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, July/August in a frame[4].
Cultivation
Succeeds in full sun or light shade in most well-drained soils[4]. Tolerant of poor rocky soils[4]. Judging by the plants native habitat in Japan, it probably tolerates maritime exposure[K]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[4]. Even in the milder areas of the country it usually only makes a small tree or shrub[2].
References
Wilson. E. H. Plantae Wilsonae.
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre 1977-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00