Styrax japonicus

Styrax japonicus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Styracaceae
Genus: Styrax
Species:
S. japonicus
Binomial name
Styrax japonicus

Styrax japonicus (野茉莉, also エゴノキ, egonoki),[2] also known as the Japanese snowbell, is a species of flowering plant in the family Styracaceae, native to Korea, Japan, and Southern China. Growing to 12 m (39 ft) tall by 8 m (26 ft) broad, it is a graceful, spreading deciduous tree with oval, upward-facing leaves which occasionally turn yellow or orange before falling in autumn. Masses of slightly fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers hang from the branches in summer, followed by fruits (drupes) which resemble olives in both shape and colour.[3][4]

It is hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F), but prefers a sheltered position in full sun or dappled shade, with acidic or neutral soil.[3]

Due to its plentiful flowers, the tree has been widely cultivated in Western gardens.[5] Properties such as analgesic,[6] hypoglycaemic,[7] and antibacterial[8][9] effects have been observed in extracts and isolates from the flowers, stem-bark, and leaves, respectively.

  1. ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).; IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group. (2019). "Styrax japonicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T135925769A136774414. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T135925769A136774414.en. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  2. ^ "Styrax japonicus". Flora of China. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  3. ^ a b "RHS Plantfinder - Styrax japonicus". Archived from the original on 29 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  4. ^ "Styrax japonicus". Missouri Botanical Garden. Archived from the original on 29 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
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