Vaccinium japonicum
Miquel
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Lijin Huang (紫楝), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Lijin Huang (紫楝)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Lijin Huang (紫楝), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Lijin Huang (紫楝), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaVaccinium japonicum is a species of deciduous flowering shrub. They are native to Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and parts of China.
Description
A shrub. It grows 60-90 cm tall. The branches are slender and well spaced. They are green and slender. It normally loses its leaves but may be evergreen in warm climates. The leaves are pale green and oval or sword shaped. They are 3-5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. They are rounded at the base and pointed at the tips. There are small teeth along the edge. The leaves are bright green above and paler underneath. The flowers and fruit hang down under the branches. The flowers are 5-12 mm long. They are in the leaf axils of the previous year's growth. There are 4 petals and these curve back at the tip. The fruit are small, shiny red berries. They are 5-8 mm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It has an acid flavour and is about 6mm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Known Hazards
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It does well in shade. It is native to Japan and Korea. In China it grows in alpine areas between 1,000-2,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan,
Cultivation
Requires a moist but freely-draining lime free soil, preferring one that is rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf-mould. Prefers a very acid soil with a pH in the range of 4.5 to 6, plants soon become chlorotic when lime is present. Succeeds in full sun or light shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. Requires shelter from strong winds. Dislikes root disturbance, plants are best grown in pots until being planted out in their permanent positions. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Sow seed in late winter in a greenhouse using a lime-free potting mix, barely covering the seed. Stored seed may need up to 3 months of cold stratification. Alternatively, sow fresh seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once they reach about 5cm tall, and grow on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse through at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5–8cm with a heel, can be taken in August and rooted in a frame, though this is slow and difficult. Layering can be done in late summer or early autumn, or in spring according to some sources, and takes 18 months. Suckers can be divided in spring or early autumn.
Other Uses
None known
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Deadly Nightshade
Atropa belladonna
Joan Simon from Barcelona, España
Vaccinium japonicum
Vaccinium japonicum
(c) Lijin Huang (紫楝), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Lijin Huang (紫楝)
Deadly Nightshade: Tall herbaceous plant (1-2m), single shiny black cherry-sized berries, star-shaped calyx, large oval leaves, sweet but dangerous taste.
Vaccinium japonicum: Low woody shrub, berries in clusters with crown/remnant calyx ring, sweet taste.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavum 1:28. 1863
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Trehane, J., 2004, Blueberries, Cranberries and Other Vacciniums. Timber Press. p 229
