Japanese Lime

Tilia japonica

Physical Characteristics

Tilia japonica is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves - raw or cooked[105, 177]. Flowers - parboiled to remove the bitterness and used as greens or added to soups[183]. A tea is made from the flowers[177, 183]. Fruit[105, 183]. No further details are given. This report possibly refers to the fact that the seed and flowers of some species can be made into a chocolate substitute. A very good chocolate substitute is made from a paste of the ground fruits and flowers[2]. Trials on marketing the product failed because the paste decomposes readily[2].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Sedative A tea made from the flowers is antispasmodic, diaphoretic and sedative[226].

Known Hazards

None known