Family: Clethraceae
Author: Siebold & Zucc.
Bibliography: Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(3): 128 (1846)
Year: 1846
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Clethra
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. & E. China to Japan
Description
Clethra, scientifically known as Clethra barbinervis, is an exquisite deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the family Clethraceae. Widely appreciated for its ornamental appeal, this plant is native to the regions spanning from Southeast China to Japan.
Clethra barbinervis stands out primarily due to its striking, fragrant blooms. Throughout the summer months, the plant produces elegant, raceme-like clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers, drawing the curiosity of gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. These delicate flowers not only enhance the visual appeal of gardens but also offer a sweet fragrance, inviting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The lush green foliage of Clethra barbinervis further enriches its aesthetic value. The leaves are typically medium-sized, with an elegantly serrated margin that hosts a deep green hue during the growing season. In autumn, the foliage undergoes a stunning transformation, adorning shades of yellow, orange, and red, thereby adding a burst of color to fall landscapes.
This plant also boasts an attractive bark texture and color. As it matures, the bark of Clethra barbinervis peels away in thin strips, revealing an underlying layer of smooth, reddish-brown skin. This characteristic adds to the plant’s beauty, even in the dormant winter months.
Thriving in moist, well-drained soils, Clethra barbinervis is adaptable to various garden settings. It prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and can often be found in woodland gardens, along stream banks, and in shrub borders. Its hardiness and minimal maintenance requirements make it a favored choice for gardeners seeking to cultivate a diverse and visually engaging landscape.
The historical botanical literature on Clethra barbinervis traces back to the mid-19th century. The species was first described in detail by the botanists Siebold & Zucc. in the work “Abhandlungen der Mathematisch-Physikalischen Classe der Königlich Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften,” published in 1846. Their meticulous documentation and observation highlight the plant’s geographical range and notable features, cementing its place in the annals of botanical research.
Common Names
Swe: japansk konvaljbuske
Kor: mae-hwa-o-ri-na-mu
Eng: japanese clethra
En: Clethra, Japanese Clethra
Ko: Mae-hwa-o-ri-na-mu
Sv: Japansk konvaljbuske
Synonyms
- Clethra wuyishanica var. erosa (L.C.Hu)
- Clethra stolonifera (Nakai)
- Clethra wuyishanica (R.C.Ching ex L.C.Hu)
- Clethra kawadana (Yanagita)
- Clethra japonica (Thunb. ex Steud.)
- Clethra barbinervis var. kawadana ((Yanagita) H.Hara)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by gab silva (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by vandertol karin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
© 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/3718199)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327574-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clethra barbinervis Siebold & Zucc.)