Orixa japonica, commonly called East Asian orixa[1] or Japanese orixa, is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 metres (10 ft) with an equal spread.[2] Native to Japan and South Korea, it is found on forested, sunny slopes at elevations from 500 to 1300 m.[3] A recent scientific study found this plant to contain previously unknown alkaloids that may be effective against Plasmodium falciparum, one of the protozoan species that cause human malaria.[4]
This plant has an unusual and distinctive leaf pattern. Starting from the oldest leaf, the pattern of angles of subsequent leaves is 180 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. The pattern then repeats.[5]
-
Flowers -
Fruit
References
- ^ English Names for Korean Native Plants (PDF). Pocheon: Korea National Arboretum. 2015. p. 553. ISBN 978-89-97450-98-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2017 – via Korea Forest Service.
- ^ "Orixa japonica (Japanese Orixa)" Canada Plants. Retrieved 8 September 2013.
- ^ eFloras.org Chinese Plant Names, Orixa japonica Thunb.
- ^ Cirrus Digital: Japanese Orixa Orixa japonica Retrieved 22 Feb. 2013
- ^ Giaimo, Cara (6 June 2019). "Solving a Leafy Mathematical Mystery". New York Times. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020.
External links
- Photo Database from University of South Florida
Data related to Orixa japonica at Wikispecies
