Xylosma japonica

Family: Flacourtiaceae

What it is like

UPDATE 19/09/2011: Xylosma japonica A. Gray is a synonym of Croton congestus Lour.

Xylosma japonica is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

Near seashores, C. and S. Japan. Woodlands in Korea.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails. The leaves contain a glycoside, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The ashes of the stem bark are mixed with water and used to treat jaundice scrofula, sores, tumours etc. They are also used to speed parturition.

Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating:

Tolerant of clipping, the plant can be grown as a formal hedge especially in areas cooler than its native range where it only develops into a shrub or small tree.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Succeeds in full sun or light shade in most well-drained soils. Tolerant of poor rocky soils. Judging by the plants native habitat in Japan, it probably tolerates maritime exposure. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Even in the milder areas of the country it usually only makes a small tree or shrub.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The leaves contain a glycoside. We are not sure if this means that it is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

X. congestum. (Lour.)Merrill. X. racemosum. Miq. Apactis japonica. Croton congestum. Flacourtia japo