Fabaceae FAMILY

Euchresta japonica

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

We have no specific information for this species, but at least some species in the genus contain the toxic alkaloid cytisine. Its molecular structure has some similarity to that of nicotine and it has similar pharmacological effects. It is sometimes used as an aid to stopping smoking, and it is also sometimes used recreationally, where it can induce a nicotine-like intoxication. However, this practice is not recommended, since negative side effects can include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, heart pain, headache and, in larger doses, even death via respiratory failure.

Botanical Description

Euchresta japonica is an evergreen climbing shrub with stems that are nearly not branched; it can grow 30 - 80cm tall. The stems often produce adventitious roots[ 58 Title Flora of Japan. (English translation) Publication Author Ohwi. G. Publisher Smithsonian Institution Year 1965 ISBN - Description The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader. , 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Zhejiang) central and southern Japan, Korea.

HabitatWoods in the mountains of central and southern Japan[ 58 Title Flora of Japan. (English translation) Publication Author Ohwi. G. Publisher Smithsonian Institution Year 1965 ISBN - Description The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader. ]. Valleys, mountain slopes, dense forests; at elevations from 800 - 1,400 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]