Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Species:
japonica
ID:
695879

Status:
valid

Authors:
(A.Gray) Sleumer

Source:
cmp

Year:
1941

Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 71: 509 (1941)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000695212

Common Names

  • Gaultheria japonica
  • Japanese Wintergreen
  • Japonica Wintergreen

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Synonyms

  • Chiogenes hispidula japonica (A.Gray) T.Shimizu [valid]
  • Chiogenes japonica A.Gray [valid]

Description

Gaultheria japonica (also called Japanese Wintergreen, among many other common names) is a small shrub native to the mountains of central and southern Japan. It has leathery, glossy green leaves and small, white, bell-shaped flowers. It prefers moist, acidic soil and can be found in mountain forests and meadows.

Uses & Benefits

Gaultheria japonica is used as an ornamental shrub and for its edible fruits. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked and are used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. The leaves can be used to make tea and the oil from the leaves can be used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Gaultheria japonica has small, white, bell-shaped flowers with five petals and five sepals. The flowers are followed by small, red, fleshy berries, which contain the seeds. The seedlings of this plant are small and delicate, with small, oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Gaultheria japonica is a low-growing evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. It is native to moist, shady areas in the northern hemisphere. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame in spring and cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. Layering should be done in late summer or early fall.

Where to Find Gaultheria japonica

Gaultheria japonica is native to the Himalayas and can be found in the mountain regions of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Gaultheria japonica FAQ

What is the scientific name of Gaultheria japonica?

Gaultheria japonica

What is the common name of Gaultheria japonica?

Japanese Wintergreen

Where is Gaultheria japonica native to?

Japan

Species in the Gaultheria genus

Gaultheria abbreviata, Gaultheria acroleia, Gaultheria acuminata, Gaultheria adenothrix, Gaultheria akaensis, Gaultheria alnifolia, Gaultheria amoena, Gaultheria anastomosans, Gaultheria angustifolia, Gaultheria antarctica, Gaultheria antipoda, Gaultheria appressa, Gaultheria arfakana, Gaultheria atjehensis, Gaultheria barbulata, Gaultheria berberidifolia, Gaultheria blumei, Gaultheria bolivari, Gaultheria borneensis, Gaultheria bracteata, Gaultheria bradeana, Gaultheria brevistipes, Gaultheria buxifolia, Gaultheria caespitosa, Gaultheria calyculata, Gaultheria caparoensis, Gaultheria celebica, Gaultheria chiriquensis, Gaultheria codonantha, Gaultheria colensoi, Gaultheria congesta, Gaultheria cordata, Gaultheria corvensis, Gaultheria crassa, Gaultheria cuneata, Gaultheria depressa, Gaultheria dialypetala, Gaultheria discolor, Gaultheria discolor, Gaultheria domingensis, Gaultheria dumicola, Gaultheria elegans, Gaultheria erecta, Gaultheria eriophylla, Gaultheria floribunda, Gaultheria foliolosa, Gaultheria formosa, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria glaucifolia, Gaultheria glaziovii,

Species in the Ericaceae family

References

Asa Gray (1810-1888): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.Gray' in the authors string.
Hermann Otto Sleumer (1906-1993): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Sleumer' in the authors string.