Euscaphis japonica, a
deciduous small- or tree found in sunny, somewhat dry copse edges,
grows to 3-8m in height, with sparse branches. Leaves are opposite,
10-30cm long, and of an imparipinnate compound leaf with 3-5 pairs
of leaflets; the terminal leaflets are smaller than the side ones,
with awn-like serrations on the margins. Current year's branches
tips emerge panicles and set many small yellow-green flowers in
them. Fruit (follicles) are semicircular, about 1cm in length,
mature in red in September-November, split and open themselves, and
one or two about 5mm across black, glossy seeds appear. Bloom time:
May-June. |