Japanese name: ゴンズイ（権萃） Scientific name:Euscaphis japonica
[Overview]
A deciduous small tree 3–6 m tall, found in secondary forests.
Some individuals reach 10 m in height.
The leaves are opposite and odd-pinnately compound, 10–30 cm long and 6–12 cm wide, consisting of 5–11 leaflets.
The petiole is 3–10 cm long.
The leaflets are ovate, 5–9 cm long and 2–5 cm wide, glossy, with serrated margins.
Panicles 15–20 cm long at the branch tips bear many small cream-colored 5-petaled flowers.
The fruit is a follicle 1–3 cm long that ripens red and splits open, revealing glossy black seeds.
[Uses]
In China, the fruit or seeds are used medicinally.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It prefers soil in a sunny, well-drained site.
It is vigorous and grows well even in poor soil.
It tolerates partial shade, but fruit set is poor if the site is not sunny enough.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless midsummer brings a prolonged, severe dry spell.
Apply slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant in winter.
If pruning, do it while the plant is leafless.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
