Japanese privet, Wax-leaf privet
Ligustrum japonicum

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

A compact evergreen shrub. It grows 3 m tall and spreads 2.4 m wide. The leaves are olive-green and shiny. They are 5-8 cm long. The leaf stalk is 6 mm long. The flowers occur in large clusters. They are trumpet shaped and white. They are fragrant.

There are about 50 Ligustrum species. Leaves contain the glucoside syringin. It can be invasive. It has antioxidant properties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs regular moisture and a well-drained soil. But it can grow in poor and dry soils. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Lesotho, Marianas, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The leafy shoots are eaten. The seeds are roasted and made into a coffee like drink.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds - drink

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They can also be grown from cuttings or by grafting.

Its other names

Local names

Pohon pripet jepang, Privet daun lilin jepang

Synonyms

Ligustrum coriaceum Jacob-Makoy; Ligustrum japonicum var. rotundifolia; and many others