Epigaea asiatica is a species of Epigaea from Japan. Seeds are dispersed by ants.[1]

Epigaea asiatica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Epigaea
Species:
E. asiatica
Binomial name
Epigaea asiatica
Maxim. 1867

Description edit

Epigaea asiatica is an evergreen shrub up to 0.1 m (0 ft 4 in) by 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is leafy all year round, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has male and female organs).

Uses edit

The fruits of Epigaea asiatica, called iwanashi (katakana: イワナシ; kanji: 岩梨), which are harvested from the wild, are used in seasonal dishes in some parts of Japan.

References edit

  1. ^ "Seed dispersal of Epigaea asiatica (Ericaceae) by ants" (PDF).

External links edit