Sapium japonicum
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −6.7 °C
Cultivation
Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained fertile soil. Although not very hardy outdoors in Britain, the plant tolerates several degrees of frost and so can be grown against a sunny wall in favoured parts of the country. A specimen seen growing outdoors at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire, but in the shade of other trees, was carrying a heavy crop of unripe seeds in September 1994[K].
Propagation
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.
Edible uses
Seed - cooked.
Habitat
Thin woods in the lowlands and mountains of C. and S. Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Scientific synonyms Neoshirakia japonica