Japanese alder

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Japanese alder

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alnus japonica var. serrata
• Alnus japonica var. reginosa
• Alnus japonica f. serrata
• Alnus japonica var. rufinervis
• Alnus japonica var. rufa
• Alnus japonica var. koreana
• Alnus japonica var. latifolia
• Alnus × borealis var. koreana
• Alnus japonica var. minor
• Alnus japonica var. arguta
• Alnus japonica var. villosa
• Alnus maritima var. arguta
• Alnus maritima var. japonica
• Alnus reginosa
• Alnus japonica f. arguta
• Alnus japonica f. koreana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Alnus japonica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Fagales. Finally, it is a member of the family Betulaceae and falls under the genus Alnus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions in East Asia. In the Russian Far East, it can be found inhabiting the Kuril Islands and the Sakhalin territory. Its range also extends to the Primorye region within the same Russian territory. Moving into China, the species is commonly located throughout Manchuria. Additionally, the plant is present in the China North-Central region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Alnus japonica is defined by its affinity for transitional and hydric environments, where it serves as a pioneer species in various moisture-rich landscapes. It is most frequently found inhabiting coastal strips and growing among coastal ridges, where it must withstand salt spray and fluctuating maritime conditions. Additionally, the species thrives in the saturated soils of lake shores and boggy places, demonstrating a high tolerance for waterlogged substrates. By colonizing these damp, unstable, or nutrient-poor margins, the plant plays a critical role in stabilizing soil and facilitating ecological succession through its ability to thrive in high-moisture niches.

Habitat :

Coastal strip, among coastal ridges, lake shores, boggy places, etc.

Life history

The life history of Alnus japonica is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its buds well above the ground level, ensuring survival through various seasonal shifts. Its growth pattern is defined by a deciduous habit, meaning it sheds its foliage annually, a process that influences its nutrient cycling and seasonal energy management. This combination of a perennial lifecycle, a phanerophyte life form, and deciduousness dictates its rhythmic development and its ability to persist in riparian or wetland environments over many years.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Alnus japonica is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that is entirely self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or liana. As an independent species, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence. The plant exhibits significant structural scale, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 6 m to a maximum of 10 m, though it reaches a mean height of approximately 22 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

22 m

Plant height min:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Alnus japonica is characterized by a highly efficient metabolic framework, most notably its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway to convert light energy into chemical energy. This carbon fixation process is complemented by a specialized symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, typically of the genus Frankia, which reside within specialized root nodules. This biological capability allows the plant to act as a nitrogen fixer, converting atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms such as ammonia, which significantly enhances its ability to thrive in nutrient-poor or disturbed soils. Through this integrated physiological system, the plant maintains robust growth and plays a critical role in soil enrichment within its ecosystem.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Alnus japonica is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and specialized pollination mechanisms. The flowering period typically commences in April and concludes in May. This reproductive phase relies on an abiotic pollination syndrome, specifically utilizing wind as the primary medium for pollen transfer. The resulting seeds are notably minute, with a consistent seed mass recorded at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 0.00075 g, facilitating their dispersal.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

May

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Seed mass mean:

0.00075 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Alnus japonica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Oregonin, Tannins.

Flavonoids

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Oregonin

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Tannins

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Activities

Alnus japonica has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective, Anticancer, Antioxidant.

Hepatoprotective

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology
2. Planta medica

Anticancer

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Alnus japonica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations