Japanese Pepper Tree

Zanthoxylum piperitum

Basic Information

Family: Rutaceae

Genus: zanthoxylum

Plant ID (slug): zanthoxylum-piperitum

Numeric ID: 22458

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Zanthoxylum piperitum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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 - N. China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Seed - cooked. It is ground into a powder and used as a condiment, a pepper substitute[1, 2, 11, 34, 183]. The fruit can also be used[116]. It is often heated in order to bring out its full flavour and can be mixed with salt for use as a table condiment[183]. The ground and dry-roasted fruit is an ingredient of the Chinese 'five spice powder'[238]. The bark and leaves are used as a spice[2, 105, 238]. Young leaves - raw or cooked. They are used in soups or as a flavouring in salads[177, 179, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antifungal Antiperiodic Antitussive Carminative Diuretic Parasiticide Stimulant Stomachic Antiperiodic, antitussive, carminative, diuretic, parasiticide, stimulant[178]. The fruit contains a essential oil, flavonoids and isoquinoline alkaloids[279]. It is anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal and stomachic[279]. It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin and, in larger doses, is toxic to the central nervous system[279]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of tuberculosis, dyspepsis and internal parasites[279]. The resin contained in the bark, and especially in that of the roots, is powerfully stimulant and tonic[82].