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Actaea japonica

Actaea japonica · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Actaea japonica, scientifically known as Actaea japonica, is a perennial herb native to East Asia, characterized by its striking white flower clusters and dark berries. Renowned in traditional medicine, this plant is valued for its bioactive compounds, which are often studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties.

Family
Not available
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Actaea japonica

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several key regions across East Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in the South-Central and North-Central territories. Its presence is also documented in the Southeast regions of China and on the island of Hainan. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the species extends its range into the easternmost parts of the continent. Specifically, this medicinal plant is well-established throughout the various landscapes of Japan.

Region Area
China China South-Central
China Hainan
China China North-Central
China China Southeast
Eastern Asia Japan
Eastern Asia Korea

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Actaea japonica is characterized by its status as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte. This life strategy allows the plant to survive unfavorable environmental conditions by retreating into underground storage organs, such as rhizomes, which protect the perennial tissues from seasonal extremes. As a geophyte, it relies on these subterranean structures to undergo periods of dormancy, ensuring its survival through winter or dry spells before emerging to produce its reproductive structures during the growing season. This specialized life form enables the species to persist in its natural habitat by sequestering essential nutrients and energy underground, facilitating reliable regrowth and long-term survival within its ecological niche.

Life form :
geophyte
Life form :
cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Actaea japonica is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, growing primarily in a terrestrial manner rather than as an epiphyte. In terms of its structural composition, the plant is non-woody, lacking the lignified tissues associated with shrubs or trees.

Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
herb
Woodiness :
non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Actaea japonica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acerinol glycoside.

Chemicals reported in Actaea japonica
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Acerinol glycoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Acerinol glycoside

  1. Dr. Duke