Lindera umbellata
Thunb.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) 空猫 T. N, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 空猫 T. N
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) 空猫 T. N, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 空猫 T. N
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) 空猫 T. N, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 空猫 T. N
Description
Lindera umbellata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from April to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Oil. The decoction is poured over rice or millet and eaten. We have no more details.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu)
Cultivation
Requires a lime-free rather moist soil. Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight in a fertile moisture-retentive soil enriched with leafmould. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. Hardy to about -15°c. Plants can be pruned right back to the base if required, though any drastic pruning is best spread over several seasons. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame. Layering.
Other Uses
OilAn oil obtained from the seed is used for lighting.
