Rosaceae FAMILY

Kerria japonica

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

1/5

Safety & Hazards

The leaves contain small quantities of hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid). In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Botanical Description

Kerria japonica is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2.00 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - China, Japan. A rare garden escape in Britain.

HabitatBy rivers and on rocks in gorges in the mountains[ 184 Title Shrubs. Publication Author Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Publisher Pan Books Year 1989 ISBN 0-330-30258-2 Description Excellent photographs and a terse description of 1,900 species and cultivars. ]. Thickets on mountain slopes at elevations of 200 - 3000 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ].