Family: Apiaceae
Author: Hassk.
Bibliography: Retzia 1: 113 (1855)
Year: 1855
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cryptotaenia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Vietnam to Sakhalin and Temp. E. Asia
Description
Native to a vast geographic span that stretches from Vietnam to Sakhalin and various parts of temperate Eastern Asia, Japanese cryptotaenia, or Cryptotaenia japonica, is a fascinating and versatile member of the Apiaceae family. First formally described in 1855 by Hasskarl in a publication in Retzia, the plant has secured its place not only in the botanical world but also in culinary practices and traditional medicine.
Japanese cryptotaenia thrives in shady, moist environments, often flourishing in woodland settings. Its adaptability to different conditions across its native range is a testament to its hardiness and ecological versatility. The plant features unique trifoliate leaves, which are deeply lobed and offer an intriguing visual appeal. These leaves are also edible, offering a subtle, parsley-like flavor that makes them a popular addition to a variety of dishes in East Asian cuisine.
Beyond its aesthetic and culinary uses, Cryptotaenia japonica holds cultural significance in its native regions. It’s frequently found in gardens and used in traditional remedies, leveraging its mild aromatic properties. For gardeners, it’s an attractive understory plant that provides lush groundcover and enhances the biodiversity of garden spaces.
In summary, Japanese cryptotaenia is more than just an attractive plant; it embodies a blend of ecological resilience, culinary versatility, and cultural richness. Its historical description by Hasskarl in 1855 marks the beginning of its documented journey, but its practical applications and enduring presence in East Asia tell a story of a plant deeply interwoven with the natural and cultural tapestry of the region.
Common Names
Eng: japanese cryptotaenia, japanese honewort
Swe: mitsuba
En: Japanese cryptotaenia, Japanese honewort, Japanese Wild Parsley, Mitsuba, Trefoil
Ar: بقدونس بري ياباني
Zh: Ya er qin, 鴨兒芹
Fi: Japaninyrttiputki
De: Japanische Petersilie, Kanadische Rispendolde, Kanadische Steinpetersilie, Mitsuba
Ja: Mitsuba
Ko: 파드득나물
Fa: کریپتوتائهنیا
Sv: Mitsuba
Zh-tw: 鴨兒芹
Synonyms
- Deringa dissecta ((Y.Yabe) Koso-Pol.)
- Deringa japonica ((Hassk.) Koso-Pol.)
- Cryptotaenia canadensis var. japonica ((Hassk.) Makino)
- Cryptotaenia japonica f. dissecta ((Y.Yabe) H.Hara)
- Cryptotaenia canadensis subsp. japonica ((Hassk.) Hand.-Mazz.)
- Cryptotaenia japonica var. dissecta (Y.Yabe)
- Cryptotaenia canadensis f. warabiana ((Makino) Yonek.)
- Cryptotaenia japonica var. warabiana (Makino)
- Cryptotaenia japonica var. atropurpurea (Makino)
- Cryptotaenia japonica f. warabiana ((Makino) H.Hara)
- Cryptotaenia canadensis f. atropurpurea ((Makino) Yonek.)
- Cryptotaenia canadensis f. dissecta ((Y.Yabe) Makino)
- Cryptotaenia japonica f. pinnatisecta (S.L.Liou)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Colombia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 15, 2021 by esdras duarte (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Perrin Mitchell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Perrin Mitchell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Perrin Mitchell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Allyson Court (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Perrin Mitchell (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© 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/3034432)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:840846-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cryptotaenia japonica Hassk.)