Neolitsea sericea
Neolitsea sericea
Synonyms: Laurus sericea, Malapoenna sieboldii, Neolitsea sieboldii var. angustifolia, Neolitsea sericea var. angustifolia, Camphora glauca, Tetradenia ohbana, Neolitsea ohbana, Neolitsea sieboldii, Litsea glauca var. xanthocarpa, Litsea sieboldii, Neolitsea sericea f. angustifolia, Tetradenia cuneifolia, Neolitsea sericea var. prematura, Neolitsea sericea f. xanthocarpa, Tetradenia glauca var. xanthocarpa, Tetradenia glauca var. prematura, Neolitsea sieboldii var. prematura, Neolitsea sieboldii var. xanthocarpa, Neolitsea sericea var. argentea, Cinnamomum glaucum, Neolitsea cuneifolia
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Neolitsea sericea (Blume) Koidz. (Lauraceae) is a small evergreen tree of warm-temperate coastal forests in southern Japan, southern Korea, eastern China, and Taiwan, reaching 5–15 m tall with smooth grey bark. Young twigs, buds, and the lower surfaces of expanding leaves are densely covered with golden-silky hairs that give the species its specific epithet, hence the Japanese name shirodamo. Leaves are alternate but often clustered toward branch tips, simple, elliptic to oblong-elliptic, 8–18 cm long, leathery, with three prominent palmate veins from near the base, glabrous and dark green above, glaucous beneath. Tiny pale-yellow unisexual flowers are borne in axillary umbels in autumn; the species is dioecious. The fruit is an ovoid to ellipsoid red drupe 1.2–1.5 cm long ripening to dark red the following autumn on a slightly thickened pedicel.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
In Japanese and Korean folk practice, the aromatic leaves and fruit of Neolitsea sericea have minor uses as a flavoring and as a topical antimicrobial; the leaves are notably rich in volatile oils that have been investigated for antibacterial and antifungal activity (Hu et al., 2014, Molecules). The wood and bark have been used locally for incense and joss-stick production rather than internal medicinal preparations.
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.