Japanese Mallotus

A deciduous tree in the spurge family, distributed from Honshū to Okinawa and into China and Korea. A classic pioneer species, quickly colonizing clear-cuts and disturbed sites and dominating early succession. The name 'aka-me-gashiwa' ('red-bud oak') refers to the vivid red emerging leaves. The large leaves were historically used like oak leaves to serve food. The bark ('yago-dō') is a traditional digestive medicine; the wood is used for geta, carving, and toothpicks.

Identification Points

• ✓Vivid red new leaves
• ✓Large triangular to ovate leaves, sometimes shallowly 3-lobed
• ✓Pioneer species common in clear-cuts

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionトウダイグサ科 →