Eleutherococcus japonicus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acanthopanax japonicus f. kiusianus
• Acanthopanax japonicus
• Acanthopanax japonicus f. ionanthus
• Acanthopanax kiusianus
• Acanthopanax commixtus
• Acanthopanax nipponicus
• Eleutherococcus japonicus f. ionanthus
• Eleutherococcus japonicus f. kiusianus
• Eleutherococcus spinosus f. ionanthus
• Eleutherococcus spinosus var. japonicus
• Eleutherococcus spinosus f. kiusianus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified under the family Araliaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Eleutherococcus, specifically as the species Eleutherococcus japonicus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to a specific region within the continent of Eastern Asia. Its primary geographical distribution is concentrated in the country of Japan. Within this island nation, it can be found growing in its natural habitat. This localized range defines its natural ecological presence. Consequently, its wild occurrence is strictly tied to the Japanese landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Eleutherococcus japonicus is characterized by its perennial growth habit, primarily functioning as a phanerophyte due to its woody structure and the positioning of its buds well above the ground level. Depending on the specific environmental conditions and the maturity of the individual specimens, its structural expression can also be classified under the nanophanerophyte life form, reflecting its tendency to form relatively low-growing, woody shrubs. As a perennial woody species, it undergoes seasonal cycles of vegetative development and reproductive flowering, establishing a stable presence within its ecological niche through a persistent woody framework.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Eleutherococcus japonicus is characterized by its woody structure, which provides a robust framework for its growth habit. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its structural integrity to ascend and occupy its niche within its environment. This plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it maintains a terrestrial life form rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Eleutherococcus japonicus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products
2. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Eleutherococcus japonicus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acanjaposide A, Acanjaposide B, Acanjaposide C, Kalopanaxsaponin G, Nipponoside E.

Acanjaposide A

1. Phytochemistry

Acanjaposide B

1. Phytochemistry

Acanjaposide C

1. Phytochemistry

Kalopanaxsaponin G

1. Journal of natural products

Nipponoside E

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Eleutherococcus japonicus has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves.

Leaves

1. Phytochemistry