Japanese beauty-berry
Callicarpa japonica
Synonyms: Callicarpa japonica f. leucocarpa, Callicarpa japonica f. albiflos, Callicarpa antaoensis, Callicarpa caudatifolia, Callicarpa murasaki, Callicarpa japonica var. luxurians, Callicarpa australis, Callicarpa longifolia var. subglabrata, Callicarpa japonica var. glabra, Callicarpa japonica f. albibaccata, Callicarpa japonica f. parvifolia, Callicarpa japonica var. kotoensis, Callicarpa japonica f. angustifolia, Callicarpa japonica f. latifolia, Amictonis japonica, Callicarpa japonica f. rugosior, Callicarpa kotoensis, Callicarpa japonica var. erythrocarpa, Premna staminea, Callicarpa japonica f. kiiruninsularis, Callicarpa japonica subsp. luxurians, Callicarpa japonica f. albifructus, Callicarpa japonica var. taquetii, Callicarpa japonica f. taquetii, Callicarpa mimurazakii, Callicarpa japonica var. leucocarpa, Callicarpa taquetii
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Botanical Description
Callicarpa japonica, the Japanese beauty-berry, is a deciduous shrub of the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to China, Korea, Japan, the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan. The plant grows to about two to three metres, with arching slender branches bearing opposite, elliptic to oblong leaves with finely serrate margins that taper to a long-acuminate tip. In early summer small cymose clusters of pink to pale-lilac or white tubular four-lobed flowers are produced in the leaf axils, each with four exserted stamens. By autumn these mature into the conspicuous tight clusters of small, glossy, violet-purple drupes that give the genus its common name and persist on bare twigs after leaf fall. The species inhabits open forests, thickets and forest margins from lowland to montane elevations and is widely planted as an ornamental for its striking fruit display.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.