Species in the genus Orixa:

Orixa japonica / Kokusagi コクサギ

Orixa japonica, a deciduous dioecious shrub with gray-white or gray-brown barks, is found in thickets or riverside forests and significantly grows to 1-5m in height. Leaves are in a unique alternate arrangement called 'origxate phyllotaxis'; leaves attach alternately two each on either side. Blades measuring 5-12cm long, 3-7cm wide, in an obovate-like long-oblong or rhombus-like oval, with tips pointed, bases cuneate, and margins entire or shallow serrations. Flowers, light yellow-green, small, set themselves on axils on previous year's branches. Bloom time: April-May.