Eurya japonica
Family: Pentaphylacaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-6 m high. It spreads 2.4-6 m wide. The leaves are broadly oval. They are leathery and 3-5 cm long. They taper at both ends. There are teeth along the edges. The flowers are white or cream with pink tints. They are of one sex. The fruit are purple-black berries. They are 5 mm across.
Also put in the family Theaceae.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. In E China it grows on mountain slopes and in valleys between 300-2,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
American Samoa, Asia, Australia, China, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Micronesia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Palau, SE Asia, Sikkim, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves - tea, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Arruttuvarai, Baunra, Chontra nhat, Deura, Gonte, Hisakaki, Huluni, Jhingni, Murmura, Saseni, Sihneh, Taung-laphet, Taw-laphet, Tukcheong, Tuksol, Tungchung