Hairy-leaved fragrant litsea
Litsea mollifolia
Family: Lauraceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 2-3 m high. The young branches are grey-black. The leaves are sword shaped and 10-17 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. There are a few hairs underneath. The flowers are white. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The fruit are fleshy and red. They are almost round and 5-6 mm long by 5 mm across. They are on hairy stalks 8-10 mm long.
Where it is found
It is native to central China and grows by streams along the edge of the forest between 300-1,800 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Myanmar, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The young leaves are chopped and used as flavouring.
Edible parts
Leaves - flavouring