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False Daphne
Daphniphyllum macropodum
ユズリハ
An evergreen tall tree native to warm-temperate forests of Japan. The name 'Yuzuriha' (yielding leaf) comes from its habit of old leaves dropping as new ones emerge, symbolizing generational succession. It is used in New Year decorations as a good-luck tree representing family prosperity. Leaves are large, leathery, and glossy.
Identification Points
- ✓Large elliptical leaves, leathery and glossy with whitish-green undersides
- ✓Petioles and veins are tinged reddish
- ✓Distinctive drooping, clustered leaf arrangement
Habitat
Warm-temperate evergreen broadleaf forests; gardens (cultivated)
Season
Year-round (evergreen), May (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Leaf shape
Round
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf margin
Entire
Stipules
Absent
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Ovary position
Inferior
Plant sex
Dioecious
Phylogenetic Positionユズリハ科 →
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Saxifragales > Daphniphyllaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene
Evolution Notes
Daphniphyllaceae is a monotypic family comprising only the genus Daphniphyllum, occupying a phylogenetically isolated position among angiosperms. The plant contains toxic alkaloids.
View on evolution timeline →Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification