Oplopanax japonicus
Family: Araceae
What it is like
Oplopanax japonicus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Moist woods, especially by streams and usually in rich soils.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young shoots - peeled and then cooked. Only the very young shoots are used. The roots can be chewed after peeling.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root bark and stems are analgesic, antiphlogistic, antirheumatic, hypoglycaemic and tonic.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a cool moist soil. Prefers a position in light shade. Prefers dense shade and is probably best if grown in moist woodland. Tolerates maritime exposure. (Rather a strange report for a plant that needs to be grown in dense shade) A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -15°c, but the young shoots in spring can be damaged by late frosts. It is therefore best not grown in a frost pocket. This species used to be included in O. horridus as the Japanese form of that species, but it has recently (1991) been recognised as a distinct species. A very ornamental plant, but it is densely armed with spikes. It transplants easily and also tolerates pruning. The leaves and stems are excessively spiny.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. 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. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Root cuttings in a greenhouse in the winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant is densely armed with spikes and these spikes are irritant. Although no specific mention has been seen for this plant, it belongs to a genus where the species are usually rich in calcium oxylate, this is toxic and if consumed makes the mouth and digestive tract feel as though hundreds of needles are being stuck into it. However, calcium oxylate is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant.