Japanese spurge
Pachysandra terminalis
Family: Buxaceae
What it is like
A small evergreen shrub 20 cm high. It spreads to 50 cm across. Leaves are glossy dark green. They are clustered at the tips of the short stems. The upper half of the leaves are often toothed. Plants are separately male and female so both are required for fruit production. The flowers are small and greenish or white and without petals. The flowers have a pleasant sweet smell.
There are 4 Pachysandra species.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It grows in moist deciduous woods in valleys and low mountains to 2000 metres. It can grow in shade. It needs moist well drained soil. It does not do well in full sun, dry soils or in windy locations. It can stand frost. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, North America, Slovenia
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. It an also be grown from cuttings of half ripe wood. These should be 4-7 cm long and with a node attached. Plants are most easily grown by dividing the clump in spring.
Its other names
Local names
Japonska pahisandra