Oriental Photinia
Photinia villosa

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. It is a broad spreading shape. The bark is grey to grey-brown and develops shallow cracks with age. The leaves are narrowly oval and 7.5 cm long by 4 cm wide. They taper to a point. They have fine teeth. They are dark green above. They turn red to orange in autumn. The flowers are small and white. They have 5 petals and pink anthers. They are borne in small flattened clusters. The fruit are egg shaped. They are 1 cm across and red. They are edible.

There are about 60 Photinia species.

Where it is found

It is native to China, Japan and Korea. They grows in woods and by streams. In China plants grow in forests, waste places and near streams between 100-1,600 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, India, China (country/location of origin), Himalayas, India, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, North America, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled then eaten with oil and salt.

A famine food.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

In China plants flower in April and May and fruit in August to September.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pourthiaea villosa (Thunb.) Decne.; and others