Oplopanax japonicus is deciduous shrub that can grow as high as 3 m (9.8 ft) tall. The plant is densely packed with spikes and those spikes are irritant. This species of plant belongs to a genus that is rich in calcium oxalate, which is toxic to the digestive system.[1]
Oplopanax japonicus is naturally found in East Asia, specifically in Japan.[2] It is usually found in the coniferous shady forest of Northern Japan.[3] One species is also found in China and North America.[4]
Oplopanax japonicus grow in woodland garden and dappled shade, shady edge and not in deep shade. The optimal cultivation environment is a moist, well drained and retentive soil.[5]
Oplopanax japonicus is a hardy frost resistant shrub. It is also the most spiny member of the ginseng family. It forms seldom and randomly branched stems that are approximately 1 m (3 ft 3 in) long. Deciduous, can grow up to 3 m (9.8 ft) tall, Branches bulky, with solid yellow-orange prickles. The stem is prickly and stocky. Petiole 3–10 cm (1.2–3.9 in), densely covered with setae. The leaf blade approximately circular to oblate, the leaf is approximately 15–30 cm (5.9–11.8 in) wide, the two surfaces are usually 5–7 lobed. The shape of the lobe is triangular or broadly triangular, base cordate, margin irregularly serrate, apex acute to slightly acuminate.[6] They have ornamental qualities but are armed with spikes. The plant also features spiny leaves and stems.[7]
Flowers of Oplopanax japonicus, is usually hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs).[8] Inflorescence terminal, a raceme of umbels, length of 8–25 cm (3.1–9.8 in), densely covered with setae towards the bae, stiffly covered with tiny hairs throughout; umbels length of 0.9–1.3 cm (0.35–0.51 in) in diameter. Usually 6–12 flower with proximal peduncles that is 2.5 cm (0.98 in) long. Calyx 5-toothed and glabrous. Styles united to middle, slender and apical. Fruit yellow-red at maturity, and sometimes globose.[9]
The leaves and roots of Oplopanax japonicas can be used as food. Young shoots have to be thoroughly peeled and cooked for eating. Roots can be cooked or chewed.[10]
Oplopanax japonicus is used in herbal medicine.[11] A sesquiterpene has been isolated and a synthetic derivative of the ketone form has been commercially produced in Japan to treat cough.[12]
An example of a sesquiterpene that has been isolated and characterized is oplapanone.[13]
Oplopanax japonicus is deciduous shrub that can grow as high as 3 m (9.8 ft) tall. The plant is densely packed with spikes and those spikes are irritant. This species of plant belongs to a genus that is rich in calcium oxalate, which is toxic to the digestive system.
Oplopanax japonicus là một loài thực vật có hoa trong Họ Cuồng cuồng. Loài này được Nakai mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1927.[1]
Oplopanax japonicus là một loài thực vật có hoa trong Họ Cuồng cuồng. Loài này được Nakai mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1927.
ハリブキ（針蕗、学名：Oplopanax japonicus ）はウコギ科ハリブキ属の落葉低木。雌雄異株。
高さは1mくらいになり、茎には針状の刺が密生する。葉は茎に互生し、直径30-40cmの掌状になり、葉柄にも葉脈にも刺がつく。花期は6-7月で、緑白色の目立たない小さな花を多数つける。秋に果実が赤く熟す。
北海道、本州、四国に分布し、深山の樹林下、特に針葉樹林内などのやや薄暗い場所に自生する。
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