Family: Lauraceae
Author: (Lour.) Pers.
Bibliography: Syn. Pl. 2: 4 (1806)
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Litsea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Nepal to S. Japan and W. Malesia
Description
Mountain-pepper, scientifically known as Litsea cubeba, is a valuable and distinctive species belonging to the Lauraceae family. This remarkable plant is indigenous to a wide geographical range, extending from the mountainous terrains of Nepal through the diverse landscapes of South Japan, and reaching as far as Western Malesia.
Litsea cubeba is appreciated for its aromatic qualities, which play a crucial role in both traditional practices and modern applications. The plant yields essential oils known for their rich, spicy fragrance that is often compared to the aroma of peppers, thereby earning its common name, Mountain-pepper. These essential oils are widely utilized in the cosmetic, medicinal, and food industries for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The species grows as a small tree or shrub, often found thriving in subtropical and tropical climates. The foliage consists of smooth, lanceolate leaves that are typically glossy and vibrant green, contributing to the plant’s ornamental appeal. In the blooming season, Mountain-pepper produces small, pale-yellow flowers that group together in clusters. These flowers not only enhance the visual allure of the plant but also attract various pollinators, supporting the local ecology.
Following flowering, the plant produces tiny, round, green fruits that mature into a dark purple or black hue. These berries are pivotal to the propagation of Mountain-pepper as they host the seeds necessary for the plant’s reproduction. The fruits themselves are highly aromatic and are sometimes used in the production of traditional medicines and flavorings.
The long-established value of Litsea cubeba in ethno-medicinal practices includes its use in treating digestive disorders, colds, and inflammation. Infusions and extracts from various parts of the plant tend to be administered locally across its native regions.
From a horticultural perspective, cultivating Mountain-pepper requires an understanding of its natural habitat. The plant thrives best in well-drained soils with a good balance of moisture and sunlight. Its hardiness in various climatic conditions makes it a versatile addition to botanical gardens and private collections.
First scientifically categorized and named in the early 19th century, Litsea cubeba stands as a significant botanical specimen within its family, Lauraceae. Its continued study and propagation are crucial for both preserving its natural heritage and exploring its potential benefits in new applications.
To sum up, Mountain-pepper is not only a symbol of natural elegance but also a plant of profound practical relevance, with a rich history and a promising future in various domains of human utility.
Common Names
Swe: kubeba-lager
Eng: litsea, mountain-pepper, pheasant-pepper
Ind: sambal
En: Mountain-pepper, Pheasant-pepper, Litsea, Maqaw, Sambal, May chang
Zh: Shan ji jiao, 山胡椒, 山鸡椒
Id: Sambal
Ja: Ao-moji
Ko: 산계초
Sv: Kubeba-lager
Zh-tw: 山胡椒
Vi: Màng tang
Synonyms
- Cubeba pipereta (Raf.)
- Tetranthera cubeba ((Lour.) Kostel.)
- Laurus cubeba (Lour.)
- Malapoenna cubeba ((Lour.) Kuntze)
- Daphnidium cubeba ((Lour.) Nees)
- Persea cubeba ((Lour.) Spreng.)
- Benzoin cubeba ((Lour.) Hatus.)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Japan (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Laos (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
Additional Images
Other
Taken Nov 29, 1963 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 2, 1963 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 21, 1991 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 31, 1982 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 31, 1982 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033977)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:465621-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers.)