Helwingia japonica

Flower name
Helwingia japonica
Scientific name
Helwingia japonica
Alias花筏, Helwingia japonica, ヨメノナミダ, 嫁の涙
Place of originJapan
Place of floweringLow mountains
Flowering seasonApril, May, June

What is Helwingia japonica

Helwingia japonica, Japanese helwingia or Hana-ikada (Helwingia japonica) is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, belonging to the family Helwingiaceae. It grows naturally in hilly forests from southern Hokkaido to Kyushu. The trunk grows in clusters and divides into many branches at the top. The leaves are glossy green, oval, and alternate. In spring, it produces a few light green flowers in the center of the leaf surface, usually one male flower and sometimes two or three female flowers. In autumn, it produces oblong fruits. The fruit can be eaten.

Common name: Helwingia japonica, also known as Hana-ikada, "bride's tears", Japanese helwingia, Place of origin: Japan, Tree height: 1.5-3 m, Bark: green, Leaf color: green, Leaf shape: elliptic to broadly elliptic, Inflorescence: alternate, Leaf blade length: 6-15 cm, Leaf width: 5 cm, Leaf margin: shallowly serrate, Dioecious plant, Flower color: yellowish green, Petals: 3-4, Flower diameter: 0.5 cm, petals: ovate, triangular, 3-4; stamens: 3-4, no stamens; female stamens: 3-4 lobes, no stamens, Petiole length: 0.25 cm; fruit type: liquid fruit; fruit diameter: 0.7-1 cm; fruit shape: oblong; ripening period: August-October; ripening color: purple-black; flowering period: April-June.