Orixa japonica

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

Orixa japonica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Woods, scrub and on cliffs, to 1300 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves cooked. Aromatic with a pleasant spicy odour.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is febrifuge.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

The plant can be grown as a hedge. It forms a dense light green barrier within 5 years.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any fertile soil in sun or part shade. Survives in fairly dry shady conditions. The leaves have a foetid smell. They are distinctly and pleasantly aromatic according to another report whilst another says that they release an orange-like pungency when pressed. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - one report suggests sowing the seed outdoors in the spring. If seed is in short supply we would recommend sowing it in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for 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, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair percentage. Root cuttings, 3cm long, December in a greenhouse. High percentage. Removal of self-layered branches at any time in the dormant season.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Celastrus japonica. Euodia ramiflora.