Kadsura japonica

Kadsura japonica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Angiosperms
Order:	Austrobaileyales
Family:	Schisandraceae
Genus:	Kadsura
Species:	K. japonica
Binomial name
Kadsura japonica (L.) Dunal.
Synonyms
Kadsura matsudai Hayata Uvaria japonica L.

Kadsura japonica, commonly known as the kadsura vine or simply kadsura, is a plant species native to Japan (Honshū, Kyūshū and the Ryukyu Islands) in woodlands. The larvae of the moth Caloptilia kadsurae feed on K. japonica in the main Japanese islands and Ryukyu Islands.

Description

Kadsura japonica is a cultivated, dioecious, ornamental plant in gardens, and also has edible fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked. They grow from 8 feet (2.4 m) to 15 feet (4.6 m). It is a evergreen with deep green, glossy leaves that turn slightly red in autumn. Its fruits are very bright scarlet and it has white, unisexual flowers. This plant contains 1–3 seeds. Apex is acuminate to acuminate. Leaves are variegated, shiny green and irregularly edged in white. Flowers are cup shaped and have red berries in spring. Petioles are 0.6–2.3 cm long. 5–8 secondary veins can be found on each midvein in the leaves. As common with other plants in Schisandraceae, this species can be monoecious although it is often reported as dioecious, and may change sex expressions over time.

Taxonomy

Kadsura japonica was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae in 1759, originally as Uvaria japonica.

There are 22 species of this genus Kadsura. Kadsura japonica is an ornamental cultivated species. Kadsura is one of the only two genera of the family Schisandraceae. Cultivars include fukerin, piper, variegata.

Distribution and habitat

It is found in the tropical and subtropical habitats and can be grown as an indoor plant. This plant is found in Japan, southern China, southern Korea and eastern Asia. It can be in habitats such as woodland garden, found in both the sun and shade. It grows in a moderate and fertile soil. It needs a neutral or acidic soil, that is adaptable and well-drained. This plant mostly does not need bright sunlight. In autumn, the shoot of the plant becomes very long and forms layers. It is a climber on woodland trees. It is found at an elevation of 500–2000 m in some provinces of China, Fujian and Taiwan.

Uses

It is used for medical purposes, that can be beneficial for fighting against kidney diseases. The other use for this plant is fighting against cough, asthma and other respiratory ailments. Fruit from this plant can be used for edible purposes, either eaten raw or cooked. Extract from the plant is used for paper manufacturing. Material extracted from this plant is used for hair dressing. Extract from this plant is also used for traditional Japanese washi paper making.

External links

• pfaf.org: Kadsura matsudai (Kadsura japonica)