Family: Malvaceae
Author: (Miq.) Simonk.
Bibliography: Math. Term. Közlem. 22: 326 (1888)
Year: 1888
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tilia
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. China, Japan
Description
Japanese lime, known scientifically as Tilia japonica, is a distinguished member of the Malvaceae family. This deciduous tree is native to Eastern China and Japan, where it has long been a revered part of both the natural landscape and cultural heritage.
Characterized by its elegant appearance, the Japanese lime typically features broad, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges that provide a lush, verdant canopy throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, the tree blooms with clusters of small, fragrant, pale yellow flowers that are not only attractive but also highly enticing to pollinators such as bees. These blossoms give way to small, rounded fruits that persist into autumn.
The Japanese lime can reach impressive heights, often growing to between 15 and 25 meters tall, with a spread that can be equally expansive. Its smooth, gray bark and stately form make it a popular choice for both ornamental and shade-providing purposes in gardens and parks.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Tilia japonica is valued for its practical applications. The wood is often utilized in carpentry and woodworking due to its fine grain and workability. Additionally, the tree’s flowers are used in traditional remedies and herbal teas, praised for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
First formally recognized in the scholarly work “Math. Term. Közlem.” in 1888, authored by Simonkai using the groundwork of earlier botanist Miquel, Tilia japonica continues to be a subject of botanical interest and admiration. Whether gracing a tranquil Japanese garden or standing tall in the forests of Eastern China, the Japanese lime remains a symbol of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Common Names
Eng: japanese lime, japanese linden
Deu: japanische linde
En: Japanese lime, Japanese linden
Zh: Hua dong duan, 华东椴
De: Japanische Linde
Is: Japanslind
Ja: Shina-no-ki
Ru: Липа японская
Tr: Japon ıhlamuru
Vi: Đoạn Nhật Bản
Synonyms
- Tilia eurosinica (Croizat)
- Tilia cordata var. japonica (Miq.)
- Tilia japonica var. ishiharai (Yanagita)
- Tilia ulmifolia var. japonica ((Miq.) Sarg. ex Mayr)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Pl@ntNet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers MK (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Pl@ntNet (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Pl@ntNet (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4261376)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:835380-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tilia japonica (Miq.) Simonk.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree
