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Summary

UPDATE 19/09/2011: Xylosma japonica A. Gray is a synonym of Croton congestus Lour.

Physical Characteristics

Xylosma japonica is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

X. congestum. (Lour.)Merrill. X. racemosum. Miq. Apactis japonica. Croton congestum. Flacourtia japo

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses:

Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails[179]. The leaves contain a glycoside[179], see the notes above on toxicity.

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.
Oxytoxic Poultice

The ashes of the stem bark are mixed with water and used to treat jaundice scrofula, sores, tumours etc[218]. They are also used to speed parturition[218].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

Tolerant of clipping, the plant can be grown as a formal hedge especially in areas cooler than its native range where it only develops into a shrub or small tree[200].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in full sun or light shade in most well-drained soils[200]. Tolerant of poor rocky soils[200]. Judging by the plants native habitat in Japan, it probably tolerates maritime exposure[K]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Even in the milder areas of the country it usually only makes a small tree or shrub[11].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guizhou Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Xizang Zizhiqu), Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: India (Uttar Pradesh)

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

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.

Xylosma japonica - (Walp.)A.Gray.