Litsea japonica is an evergreen small tree or tree that
occurs in coastal areas, growing as tall as 7 meters; trunks grow in
clusters, forming an oblong tree shape. New branches are thick, with
dense yellow-brown fluffs. Leaves are alternate, gathering together
at branch tips; blades measure 7-15cm and 2-5cm wide, long, and
oblong, with tips round, broadly cuneate, thick, leathery, and
entire margins inclined to curve backward. The surfaces are hairless
and glossy, and the back sides have thick yellow-brown fluffs.
Dioecious: A few inflorescences with many small yellow-white flowers
emerge from the sides of the leaves. One inflorescence contains 5-6
flowers. Sap fruit, about 1.5cm across oblong, matures emerald green
in next year's spring-summer. Bloom time: October-November. |