| Hovenia dulcis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Hovenia |
| Species: | H. dulcis |
| Binomial name | |
| Hovenia dulcis | |
Hovenia dulcis, or theoriental raisin tree, is a hardy tree found inAsia, from EasternChina (萬壽果; pinyin: wànshòuguǒ) andKorea (헛개나무,heotgae namu) to theHimalayas (up to altitudes of 2,000 m), growing preferably in a sunny position on moist sandy or loamy soils. The tree known for its health benefits when consumed in tea, introduced as an ornamental tree to several countries, also bears edible fruit. It is considered to be one of the most pervasive invaders in Brazilian subtropical forests.[1]
Tree, rarely a shrub, deciduous, to 10–30 m tall. Branchlets brown or black-purple,glabrous, with inconspicuouslenticels. The glossy leaves are large and pointed. The trees bear clusters of small cream-coloured hermaphroditic flowers in July. Thedrupes appear at the ends of an ediblerachis (fleshy fruit stalk), which is a type ofaccessory fruit.
The fleshy rachis of theinfructescence is sweet, fragrant and is edible raw or cooked. Dried, they look and taste likeraisins. An extract of the seeds, bough and young leaves can be used as a substitute forhoney[2] and is used for making wine and candy.
An extract of theleaves containshodulcine, aglycoside which exhibits an anti-sweet activity.[3]
The timber is fine and hard and is used for building construction and fine furniture.
Hovenia dulcis is a natural source fordihydromyricetin, aflavonoid with antioxidant properties and is primarily found in the tree's leaves, stems, and bark.[4] It has been used in traditionalChinese,Korean, andJapanese medicines to treat fever, parasitic infection, as a laxative, and a treatment of liver diseases, and as ahangover treatment.[5] It is also used as medicine for preventing and treatingchronic diseases as well as skincare products for its ability to protect skin fromUV-induced damage and aging.[6][7]
In ThailandHovenia dulcis is relatively rare, typically found in the stream-irrigated valleys of primary lower mountain evergreen forest located between 1,075 and 1,250 metres above sea level. However, it is one of 30 potential species identified as a substitute forEucalyptus spp., commonly planted forreforestation, that would meet the demand for rapid growth while not disturbing the ecological balance.[8][9]
In ThailandHovenia dulcis grows at roughly the same rate as eucalyptus, reaching six metres in height within three years.[8] One major asset is that the growth form of the tree allows other species to regenerate nearby. Furthermore, the tree is known to attract several varieties both of birds and of mammals which feed on the seeds and fruit.[10] As well as promoting faunaldiversity, this process assists in improving soil fertility throughhumification.[8]
