Lindera glauca
(Siebold & Zucc.) Blume
Spicebush
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) 黃俊曄, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 黃俊曄
Summary
Lindera glauca is a deciduous shrub growing 5 m tall by 5 m wide. Hardy to UK zone 6. Hermaphroditic flowers. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, preferring well-drained conditions. Suitable for mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soils. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and requires consistently moist soil. Features attractive aromatic foliage with star-shaped flowers and showy red to black fruit.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 8 m tall. The bark is smooth and grey to white. The young branches are white to yellow with brown hairs. The leaves are alternate and the leaf blade is oval and 4-9 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. There are white hairs underneath. Male and female flowers are separate.
Edible Uses
The fruits are used as a pepper substitute. Dried, powdered leaves are mixed into noodles and dumplings as a flavouring.
Traditional Uses
The peppercorn like berries are used in place of pepper. Powdered leaves are mixed into noodles and dumplings.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The roots, branchlets, leaves, and fruit are used medicinally.
Distribution
A subtropical plant. In central China it grows in forests and on mountain slopes below 900 m above sea level. In Sichuan.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Taiwan, Vietnam,
Cultivation
It is grown by seed and cuttings.
Propagation
Sow seed as soon as it is ripe, as viability is short and the seed must not be allowed to dry out. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough and grow on until ready to plant out. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a frame. Layering.
Other Uses
An essential oil obtained from the leaves and pericarp is used in the manufacture of incense and joss sticks. Oil from the seed is used for making soap and as a lubricant. The wood is used in woodwork.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Shan-hu-shu, Yama-kobashi
References (6)
- Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 263
- Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 2 (I-Z) p 1370
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 139
- Mus. bot. 1:325. 1851
- Tanaka,
Show all 6 references Hide references
- www.efloras.org Flora of China Volume 7
