Hovenia dulcis Seeds | Japanese Raisin Tree

Japanese Raisin Tree seeds (Hovenia dulcis)

LATIN NAME: Hovenia dulcis

COMMON NAME: Japanese Raisin Tree

Plant Profile

Known to gardeners as Japanese Raisin Tree, Hovenia dulcis is a tree. Plant steadily develops a rounded crown, often reaching 5-10 metres. Full sun suits it best, with deep, fertile ground. At maturity it stands about 5-10 metres. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.

Science & Biotechnology

As part of the Hovenia group, Hovenia dulcis contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Species has also been studied in botany and in horticulture, since it is a hardy and useful tree of the eastern gardens. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.

Uses & Benefits

Gardeners value Japanese Raisin Tree for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, oriental raisin tree is a generous tree of autumn garden. Its flowers feed bees and other insects, and its sweet stalks and seeds feed birds and wildlife, while it is a broad and useful presence in gardens and forests of eastern Asia. For a grower, oriental raisin tree is an easy and rewarding tree, and for a gardener it brings a sweet harvest of raisin-like stalks in the autumn. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.

The Japanese raisin tree’s sweet, fig-like fruit stalks are eaten fresh and are a famous East Asian hangover remedy; its dihydromyricetin, DHM, is among the most studied natural compounds for alcohol metabolism and liver support.

Growing from Seed

Starting Japanese Raisin Tree from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.

Our Take

Its role in herbal practice, noted above, adds depth to an already garden-worthy plant. Given the right start, Japanese Raisin Tree is a long-term garden companion. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.

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