Epigaea asiatica

Epigaea asiatica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Epigaea
Species:
E. asiatica
Binomial name
Epigaea asiatica
Synonyms[1]
  • Parapyrola asiatica (Maxim.) Kvaratskh.
  • Parapyrola trichocarpa Miq.

Epigaea asiatica is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae.[1][2] It is endemic to Japan. It has pale pink flowers, and seeds that are dispersed by ants.[3]

Description

Epigaea asiatica is an evergreen shrub up to 0.1 m (0 ft 4 in) by 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is leafy all year round, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has male and female organs).

Uses

The fruits of Epigaea asiatica, called iwanashi (katakana: イワナシ; kanji: 岩梨), which are harvested from the wild, are used in seasonal dishes in some parts of Japan.

References

  1. ^ a b "Epigaea asiatica Maxim". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  2. ^ "Epigaea asiatica Maxim". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  3. ^ "Seed dispersal of Epigaea asiatica (Ericaceae) by ants" (PDF).
  • Media related to Epigaea asiatica at Wikimedia Commons
  • Data related to Epigaea asiatica at Wikispecies