Image: Wikimedia Commons (See link for license)
Oriental Paperbush
Edgeworthia chrysantha
γγγγΏ
A deciduous shrub in the Thymelaeaceae family, native to China, introduced to Japan in the Muromachi period. The name 'mitsu-mata' ('three forks') describes the trifurcating branches. The strong bark fibres make it, alongside kΕzo and gampi, one of Japan's three major washi paper materials β especially important as the raw material for Japanese banknotes. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, spherical yellow flower heads hang from branch tips with a sweet fragrance. Also planted as an ornamental.
Identification Points
- βBranches always in threes
- βAlternate lanceolate leaves; young leaves silky-hairy
- βFragrant spherical yellow flower heads at branch tips in early spring
Habitat
Cultivated (mountain-area fields and gardens)
Season
March to April (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Flower color
Yellow
Flowering season
Spring
Habitat
Cultivated
Phylogenetic PositionγΈγ³γγ§γ¦γ²η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Malvales > Thymelaeaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous (ca. 80 million years ago)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification