Japanese mallotus
Mallotus japonicus

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 2-4 m tall. The small branches are dull brown and covered with hairs. The leaves are oval or round and 8-20 cm long by 5-15 cm wide. They have hairs underneath. The fruit is a reddish-orange capsule. The seeds are brown and warty.

It has antioxidant properties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of forests between 100-600 m above sea level in E China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, SE Asia, Taiwan

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Akamegashiwa, Malotus jepang

Synonyms

Croton japonicus L.f.; Mallotus japonicus var. angustatus Koidz.; Mallotus japonicus var. ochraceoalbidus (Mull.Arg.) S. M. Khwang; Mallotus napelensis var. ochraceoalbidus (Mull.Arg.) Pax; Mallotus oreophilus var. ochraceoalbidus Mull.Arg.; Rottlera japonica (L.f.) Spreng.;