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Description
Celastrus Kusanoi, also known as the Kusanoi Bittersweet or Chinese Bittersweet, is a deciduous vine that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world. The plant is known for its attractive foliage, with green leaves turning yellow in the fall, and its showy fruits that are orange-red in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Celastrus |
Appearance
Celastrus Kusanoi is a woody, twining vine that can grow up to 10 meters in length. The plant has green, glossy leaves that are oval or elliptic in shape, with serrated margins. The leaves are about 5-10 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before falling off. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in early summer, followed by showy fruits that are orange-red in color and about 1 cm in diameter. The fruits are round or slightly flattened, with three lobes that split open to reveal bright red seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Celastrus Kusanoi prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.Fertilization: The plant does not require heavy fertilization, but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.Soil: Celastrus Kusanoi grows best in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full to partial sun, but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Celastrus Kusanoi is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Celastrus Kusanoi is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Celastrus Kusanoi is native to China, Japan, and Korea, and is commonly found in forests and along stream banks. The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and is often grown on trellises, fences, or walls.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Celastrus Kusanoi poisonous?
A: The plant is not considered poisonous, but the seeds are toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can Celastrus Kusanoi be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer.
Q: Does Celastrus Kusanoi attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant’s fruits are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Q: How fast does Celastrus Kusanoi grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 1 meter per year under ideal conditions.
Related Plants
- Celastrus Orbiculatus
- Celastrus Scandens
- Celastrus Angulatus
- Celastrus Paniculatus
References
- “Celastrus Kusanoi.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 June 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx?taxonid=263534&isprofile=0&
- “Celastrus kusanoi.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank. Accessed 22 June 2021. https://www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/24239
- “Celastrus kusanoi.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 22 June 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/117470/Celastrus-kusanoi/Details
