Euscaphis
Euscaphis japonica
Family: Staphyleaceae
What it is like
A tree that loses its leaves. It grows 3-8 m high. The bark is grey and has cracks long it. It has a bad smell when crushed. The leaves are opposite. They have leaflets along the stalk. The leaves are 13-32 cm long and there are 5-9 leaflets that are 5-11 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. They taper to the tip and are rounded at the base. There are sharp teeth along the side. The flowers are small and white. They are 4 mm across. The flowers are in large groups at the ends of the branches. The fruit are red. There are lines on the outside surface. The seeds are a flattened round shape. There is one seed in each follicle of the fruit. The seeds are shiny black.
There is only one Euscaphis species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate to subtropical plant. It grows in mountain valleys and open forests.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Japan, Korea, SE Asia, Taiwan, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The young leaves are used as a potherb.
Edible parts
Leaves, buds