Common Name: Japanese Raisin Tree

General Information

Japanese raisin tree is a deciduous tree, occasionally shrub-like, that can grow up to 10 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild as a food, medicine and source of wood for local use. It is cultivated for its edible fruit; grown as an ornamental; and is planted as a pioneer species in reforestation projects in Thailand[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Thailand.

Habitat

Plains and mountains to 2,000 metres in W. China[]. Secondary forest[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

The tree is found wild mainly in the temperate to subtropical zones, though it also extends into northern Thailand. It can be found at elevations up to 1,400 metres. Often cultivated for its fruit, or grown as an ornamental, it has been successfully grown in tropical regions, such as Honduras, Paraguay and southern Brazil, usually at higher elevations. If the summer growth is well-ripened, the dormant tree can withstand temperatures down to around -25°c, though young growth can be damaged by even light frosts[, , ]
Grows well in a fertile sandy loam in a sunny position[].
The branches are brittle, so the plant should be grown in a sheltered position[].
A fast-growing tree[].
The small white flowers are scented and are produced in terminal cymes[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. It is not actually the fruit that is eaten, but the fleshy rachis (brown stems) of the infructescence[]. They can be dried when they have the sweet flavour and texture of raisins and can be used similarly[]. The fruit is sweet and fragrant[, ] with a pear-like flavour[]. Dry and sub-acid[]. It is not a true fruit but a swollen receptacle[]. The fruit is up to 3cm long[], it contains 11.4% glucose, 4.7% fructose and 12.6% sucrose[].

A sweet extract of the seed, boughs and young leaves is used as a substitute for honey[]. The seed contains 15% protein and 7.8% fat[].

Medicinal

The fruit is antispasmodic, febrifuge, laxative and diuretic[].

The seeds are diuretic and are used in the treatment of alcohol overdose[]. The seeds are used to relieve intoxication due to wine[].

The stem bark is used in the treatment of rectal diseases[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is planted as a pioneer species in northern Thailand in reforestation projects to restore native woodland - it is planted in degraded woodland and open areas in a mix with various other species that all have the ability to grow fast; produce dense, weed-suppressing crowns; and attract seed-dispersing wildlife, particularly birds and bats[].

Other Uses

The wood is hard and fine grained. It is good for making fine furniture and in construction[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates freely if sown as soon as it is ripe[]. Stored seed should be scarified and sown in a nursery seedbed[], it may not germinate for a year. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out when large enough.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood,[].
Cuttings of mature wood[].

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