Herb latin name: Sapium japonicum


Synonyms: Excoecaria japonica, Stillingia japonica


Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)



Edible parts of Sapium japonicum:

Seed - cooked.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Flowering:
June

Habitat of the herb:

Thin woods in the lowlands and mountains of C. and S. Japan.

Propagation of Sapium japonicum:

Seed - do not cold stratify the seed since this can lead to secondary dormancy. Sown in April in a warm greenhouse, it usually germinates within 4 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for at least their first 2 winters and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cultivation of the herb:

Thin woods in the lowlands and mountains of C. and S. Japan.

Medicinal use of Sapium japonicum:

None known

Known hazards of Sapium japonicum:

The sap is poisonous.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.