Japanese raisin tree, Chinese raisin tree
Hovenia dulcis

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A tree which loses its leaves in winter. It can grow to 22 m tall. The tree has a single trunk and a round crown. The lower branches often drop off. The bark is deeply cracked. The leaves overlap. The leaves are shiny green. They are 15 cm long and limp. Masses of small cream flowers occur. The fruit stalk is swollen and it is edible. The seed pod is inedible and falls off. The stalk turns red and lets light through. This fruit stalk falls to the ground and is then ready to eat.

There are 2 Hovenia species.

Where it is found

A temperate climate plant. Plants are cold hardy to -23°C. It can grow in shaded places but full sun helps improve flowering and ripening. It can grow in a range of soils. It does best with constant moisture. It needs protection from dry winds. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. Arboretum Tasmania. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Cuba, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Paraguay, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit stalk is fleshy and edible. (It tastes like ripe pears.) They are also used for jellies. They can be dried and stored for several months. The stalks are used for drinks and for alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. The sweet extract from the leaves and seeds is used as a honey substitute. The ripe fruit are also eaten. The fruit are fermented into vinegar.

It is eaten especially by children. Fruit are sold in village markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, flower stalks

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed has a coat which prevents water entering so this needs to be cut with a small nick. Another method is to soak the seed to water at 60°C 3 times over 3 days. Seed then planted and placed in the sun will germinate in 1 to 4 weeks. Soft wood cuttings can also be used.

Trees grow slowly about 0.5 m a year. Trees grown from seed bear fruit in 7-10 years. The fruit stalks ripen late in the season and can be used similarly to raisins. They can be stored in a cool dark place for 2 months.

Its other names

Local names

A zhe shi xi, Bangi, Bangikath, Bei zhi ju, Bei zhi qu, Chamhun, Chetia-bola, Chetihola, Dieng-mylliat, Guaizao, Heotgaenamu, Heotkaenamu, Honey tree, Horikkae, Hovenia, Jiji, Kemponashi, Kipia, Kouai tsao, Ovenia dolce, Pinke esing, Pohon kismis jepang, Raisil gaas, Sicka, Sungree-kung, Twisted Chinese Date, Uva japonesa

Synonyms

Hovenia dulcis var. galabra Makino; Hovenia dulcis var. latifolia Nakai ex Y. Kimura;