Mountain Pepper, Litsea

Litsea cubeba

Physical Characteristics

Litsea cubeba is a deciduous Shrub growing to 7 m (23ft). It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Root Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Tea The fragrant flowers are eaten or used as a flavouring for tea[301 , 310 , 317 ]. The fruits are eaten as a vegetable side dish, and are a common substitute for cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba)[301 , 310 , 317 ]. The fruit, bark and leaves are often used by the Karen people of N. Thailand as a curry ingredient in a dish called 'Kaeng Nuea'[931 ]. The roots are cooked as a flavouring in foods[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Expectorant Parasiticide Antiphlogistic, expectorant[147]. The root, stem, leaves and fruits are all used as medicine for eliminating windevil and dispelling the cold in the body, allaying swelling and pain[266]. The fruit is used as medicine is known as 'Bi Cheng Qie'[266].

Known Hazards

None known