Japanese horseradish

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Japanese-horseradish
• Japanese Horseradish

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Wasabia wasabi
• Alliaria wasabi
• Eutrema japonicum f. terrestre
• Wasabia okinosimensis
• Wasabia japonica var. sachalinensis
• Wasabia japonica
• Lunaria japonica
• Eutrema okinosimense
• Eutrema japonicum var. sachalinense
• Eutrema wasabi f. terrestre
• Eutrema wasabi
• Eutrema wasabi var. sachalinense
• Wasabia tenuis var. okinosimense
• Wasabia wasabi var. sachalinensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Brassicales and the family Brassicaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Eutremma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of Eastern Asia. It can be found growing in the Russian Far East, specifically on the island of Sakhalin. Its range extends significantly into Japan, where it is a well-known native species. Additionally, the plant is documented throughout the Korean peninsula. Finally, its geographical presence reaches as far south as Taiwan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Eutrema japonicum is characterized by its preference for specific moisture-rich environments, primarily thriving in riparian habitats. It typically establishes itself in the transitional zones along riverbanks, streams, and marshes where the soil remains consistently damp or saturated. These riparian ecosystems provide the high humidity and alluvial soil conditions necessary for its growth, often situated in areas with partial shade or dappled sunlight under forest canopies. The proximity to flowing or standing water ensures a stable supply of moisture and nutrient-rich sediment, which are critical factors for its development within its natural niche.

Habitat :

riparian

Life history

The life history of Eutrema japonicum is characterized by its status as a perennial herb, although its development can vary depending on environmental conditions and cultivation practices. Throughout its lifecycle, the plant typically begins its growth through seeds or rhizomes, establishing a robust root system that serves as its primary energy storage organ. As a perennial, it possesses the biological capacity to persist through multiple growing seasons, often undergoing a period of dormancy during colder months before re-emerging. During the active growing phase, the plant develops lush, green foliage and produces flowering stalks that facilitate sexual reproduction. The longevity and growth patterns can be variable, influenced significantly by soil composition, moisture levels, and temperature, which dictate the transition between its vegetative stages and its reproductive cycles.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Eutrema japonicum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically categorized as a forb. It exhibits a climbing habit, functioning as a self-supporting liana or vine, which allows it to navigate its environment through its herbaceous structure.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Eutrema japonicum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate, 4-Pentenyl isothiocyanate, 6-HITC, ALLYL ISOTHIOCYANATE, Glucobrassicanapin.

6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate

1. Phytochemistry
2. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry

4-Pentenyl isothiocyanate

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6-HITC

1. Phytochemistry

ALLYL ISOTHIOCYANATE

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Glucobrassicanapin

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Glucocapparin

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Glucoputranjivin

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Sinigrin

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Activities

Eutrema japonicum has 21 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Allergenic, Antiasthmatic, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant.

Allergenic

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Antiasthmatic

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Anticancer

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Anticarcinomic

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Antifeedant

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Antimutagenic

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Antiseptic

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Cancer-Preventive

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Counterirritant

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Decongestant

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