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Japanese Snowbell
Styrax japonicus
エゴノキ
A deciduous small tree native to mountains and hills throughout Japan. In May–June, it produces abundant white bell-shaped flowers hanging downward from branches, creating a stunning display. The name derives from the acrid taste ('egoi') of the fruit. The fruit rind contains ego-saponin and is toxic.
Identification Points
- ✓Numerous white 5-petaled flowers hang downward (May–June)
- ✓Corolla is bell-shaped with reflexed tips
- ✓Fruits are grayish-green, elliptical, with toxic rind
Habitat
Mixed forests of mountains and hills; parks (cultivated)
Season
May–June (flowers), September–October (fruits)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Leaf shape
Round
Flower color
White
Flowering season
Spring
Habitat
Mountain
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Petal count
4 petals
Stipules
Absent
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Stamen count
1-2
Phylogenetic Positionエゴノキ科 →
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core Eudicots > Ericales > Styracaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (ca. 50 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Styracaceae belongs to Ericales and has developed saponin-based chemical defense against herbivores. The Varied Tit (Sittiparus varius) skillfully cracks open the fruits to eat the seeds—an example of coevolution.
View on evolution timeline →Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification