Botanical Name: Gleditsia japonica
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Genus: Gleditsia
Synonyms : Gleditsia horrida. non Salisb.
Habitat: Gleditsia japonica is native to E. Asia – Japan. It grows on damp sandy soils
Description:
Gleditsia japonica is a perennial tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. It is a conical to spreading, deciduous tree with long, stout spines on the trunk and branches. Glossy, mid-green leaves are divided into ovate to lance-shaped leaflets. Racemes of inconspicuous flowers in spring are followed by pendent, curved, twisted, green seed pods turning brown when mature. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.It’s fruit is long, bean like pods containing numerous, small brown seeds. It can fix Nitrogen.
Cultivation:
Plant in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates air pollution. Needs shelter when young.
Soil type Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light: Full Sun
Aspect: North, South, East, West
Exposure :Exposed, Sheltered
Edible Uses:
Seed – cooked. The seed is roasted, dehusked, soaked until soft then boiled and eaten with sugar. The seed contains 22.4% protein and 2.8% fat. Young leaves – cooked. A famine food used when all else fails.
Medicinal Uses: Antitussive, astringent, expectorant, haemostatic, skin. Treats syphilitic skin diseases.
Other Uses:
A soap is obtained from the pulp contained in the seedpods. It is obtained from the seed according to another report[105]. Wood – strong, durable, coarse-grained
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleditsia
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gleditsia+japonica
https://www.shootgardening.co.uk/plant/gleditsia-japonica
