Helwingia japonica

Helwingia japonica is a dioecious  shrub whose height varies between 1 and 2 metres (3.3 and 6.6 ft),[4] and may spread 1–1.5 metres (3.3–4.9 ft),[1] with leaves of 6–12 centimetres (2.4–4.7 in) in length.[4] The lateral and midvein are concave, and the leaves' colors are green.[5] Flowers grow from the center of the leaf midribs, taking the shape of a simple umbel inflorescence. In male species, 3–10 small green or purplish- green flowers grow but only 3–5 will open simultaneously. The female plants have 1–3 flowers. Flowering takes place between April and May, and fruiting is from August to September.[6]

The Helwingia japonica is a dioecious plant. This means that distinctive sexual functions can be found in the male and female plants. In the male plant, the flowers have a small calyx with 3–5 stamens and one long pedicel. The female plant has a short pedicel and one pistil, with 3–5 stigma branches. Its flowers contain no stamens, but have an inferior ovary that has 3–5 ovules.[6] For reproduction to take place, it requires pollination. The female plants flowers will then turn into fruits. The fruits are small black or red berries.[1]

They can be grown in places that are moist with good drainage, such as in partially shaded areas. It can tolerate temperatures as low as −7 °C (19 °F). The plant requires low maintenance, but to produce fruit, it requires both male and female plants. Mature seed can be collected from fruit be put to storage or sowed after being rinsed and left to dry.[5]

Helwingia japonica is found in moist rich soil in forests and thickets in hills and low mountains at elevations of 100–3,400 metres (330–11,150 ft) meters in Japan, Bhutan, South Korea, Myanmar, and in multiple Chinese provinces.[1][7][8]

The plants are edible. The young leaves are used for culinary purposes, such as being cooked with rice or boiled. The flowers can also be eaten.[8]

One source mentions the use of the plant for medical purposes, such to activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, help with urination pain, and the use of the fruit to relieve stomach aches.[5]

The species is divided into the following subspecies and varieties:

• Helwingia japonica subsp. japonica
• Helwingia japonica subsp. liukiuensis
• Helwingia japonica subsp. taiwaniana
• Helwingia japonica var. formosana
• Helwingia japonica var. hypoleuca
• Helwingia japonica var. papillosa
• Helwingia japonica var. parviflora