Bushkiller (Cayratia Japonica)

in leaf •  2 years ago 

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Cayratia japonica, also known as bushkiller, yabu garashi, or Japanese cayratia herb, is a perennial vine that is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the West Pacific.

The leaves of Cayratia japonica are compound, meaning that they are made up of multiple leaflets. Each leaf has 5 leaflets, which are ovate to orbicular in shape and have serrated margins. The leaves are green on the upper surface and white on the lower surface.

The leaves of Cayratia japonica are not poisonous, but they are not edible. They have a bitter taste and are not considered to be palatable. The leaves are sometimes used in traditional medicine, but there is no scientific evidence to support their efficacy.

Cayratia japonica is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world, including the United States. It can be a nuisance plant, as it can quickly grow over other vegetation and block out sunlight. If you are considering planting Cayratia japonica, it is important to be aware of its potential invasive nature.

Here are some additional facts about Cayratia japonica:

  • The flowers of Cayratia japonica are small and salmon-colored. They bloom in the late summer.
  • The fruits of Cayratia japonica are black or white berries. They each contain 2-4 seeds.
  • The vines of Cayratia japonica can grow up to 30 feet long.
  • Cayratia japonica is a host plant for the butterfly known as the bush-killer butterfly.

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