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Styrax japonica - Siebold.&Zucc.

Common Name Japanese Storax
Family Styracaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Thickets and thin woods in mountains and hills all over Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Styrax japonica Japanese Storax


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gondahara
Styrax japonica Japanese Storax
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Styrax japonica is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

S. serrulata. non Roxb.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit  Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

Fruit - raw[105, 177]. The fruit is about 14mm in diameter[200].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Beads  Oil  Wood

The fruits are used as beads in rosaries etc[182]. An oil is obtained from the seed[46, 61]. No further details are given. Wood - fine-grained. Used to make umbrella handles[46, 61].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a light lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade[11, 200]. If planted out when young into a planting hole that has been filled with a light lime-free soil the plants will successfully grow into the surrounding soil[11]. Prefers a warm sheltered position with protection from the morning sun[11]. Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c[200] but the young growth is liable to be damaged by late frosts[11]. A very ornamental plant[1] but it is slow to establish itself and is slow growing[200]. There are some named varieties[182]. The sub-species S. japonica fargesii is stronger growing in Britain[182]. The flowers have an exquisite scent[245]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[11]. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification[113]. Germination is usually good, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[113]. Layering in autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Pterostyrax corymbosaEpaulette TreeTree12.0 5-9 FLMHSNM10 
Styrax officinalisStorax TreeShrub5.0 8-11 SLMSNM112
Styrax serrulatus Tree7.0 -  LMHSNM002

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Siebold.&Zucc.

Botanical References

1158200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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