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Description
Lindera Umbellata, also known as the Japanese Spicebush, is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan and Korea. It belongs to the Lauraceae family and is known for its medicinal properties. The plant is slow-growing and can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has a spreading habit with a rounded crown and its leaves are aromatic.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Lindera |
Appearance
The leaves of Lindera Umbellata are dark green, glossy, and ovate. They measure 5-10 cm in length and have a pointed tip. The leaves turn yellow in the fall before dropping. The flowers are small and yellow, with a diameter of about 5 mm. They grow in clusters of 5-10 and bloom in early to mid-spring. The fruit is a small, black berry that measures about 5 mm in diameter and appears in the fall. The bark of the shrub is smooth and gray-brown in color.
Care Guide
Lindera Umbellata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers a location with afternoon shade in hot climates. The plant needs regular watering to establish itself, but it can tolerate drought once established. It does not require frequent fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring. Lindera Umbellata can tolerate a wide range of hardiness zones, from 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lindera Umbellata is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by spider mites, scale insects, and leaf spot. Spider mites and scale insects can be treated with a mixture of water and soap or an insecticidal soap. Leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Lindera Umbellata is native to Japan and Korea and grows in mountainous areas with well-draining soil. It can be found in deciduous forests and along streams and riverbanks. The plant is often used in traditional medicine in Japan and Korea.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lindera Umbellata a fast-growing plant?
A: No, Lindera Umbellata is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: Does Lindera Umbellata require a lot of water?
A: Lindera Umbellata needs regular watering to establish itself, but it can tolerate drought once established.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lindera Umbellata?
A: Lindera Umbellata can tolerate a wide range of hardiness zones, from 5 to 9.
Q: Can Lindera Umbellata be used in traditional medicine?
A: Yes, Lindera Umbellata is often used in traditional medicine in Japan and Korea.
Related Plants
- Lindera benzoin
- Lindera melissifolia
- Lindera neesiana
- Lindera obtusiloba
- Lindera strychnifolia
References
- “Lindera umbellata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m540
- “Lindera umbellata.” Plant Finder. Accessed 29 August 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2388/japanese-spicebush/
- “Lindera umbellata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 29 August 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/21462/i-Lindera-umbellata-i/Details
