Japanese name: ケンポナシ（玄圃梨） Scientific name:Hovenia dulcis
[Overview]
A deciduous tree that sometimes reaches 25 m in height.
The bark splits into fine fissures.
The leaves are simple and alternate, broadly ovate, 10–20 cm long and 6–14 cm wide, with three conspicuous veins arising from the base.
The leaf margin has somewhat coarse serrations.
The petiole is 2–5 cm long.
The leaves do not turn reddish brown when dry but remain green.
Cymes arising from the branch tips and leaf axils bear many small greenish white flowers with 5 petals.
The fruit is a spherical drupe.
The fruit stalk thickens and becomes sweet in the fruiting season, and can be eaten.
[Uses]
The fruit stalk is eaten.
The branches, leaves and fruit are used as a folk medicine.
The wood is used for carving and other purposes.
[Cultivation]
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated and somewhat dry site.
