Japanese ternstroemia (Ternstroemia gymnanthera, Fl. Sylv. S. India: t. 91 (1871))

Family: Pentaphylacaceae

Author: (Wight & Arn.) Bedd.

Bibliography: Fl. Sylv. S. India: t. 91 (1871)

Year: 1871

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ternstroemia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Indian Subcontinent to S. China and Indo-China

Description

The Japanese ternstroemia, known scientifically as Ternstroemia gymnanthera, is a versatile and attractive plant that has made a mark in various regions from the Indian Subcontinent to Southern China and Indo-China. Recognized for its historical botanical significance, this plant was first cataloged in the comprehensive botanical work “Flora Sylvatica of Southern India” published in 1871, a detailed illustration of which can be found in plate 91.

Belonging to the Pentaphylacaceae family, the Japanese ternstroemia embodies the rich diversity and adaptability characteristic of these regions’ flora.

Typically, Ternstroemia gymnanthera can be identified by its robust and vivid foliage. The leaves are usually arranged in an alternate pattern and are simple with a smooth texture. During the blooming seasons, the plant produces small, often inconspicuous flowers that are a delicate but essential part of its aesthetic and ecological appeal.

Botanists and horticulturalists value Japanese ternstroemia not just for its visual appeal but also for its role in maintaining ecological balance, providing shelter and sustenance to a variety of local wildlife. This plant thrives in various soil types but exhibits optimal growth in well-drained, slightly acidic soils, often found within its native range.

The Japanese ternstroemia stands as a testament to the rich botanical heritage of the regions it inhabits, playing an important role both in natural ecosystems and cultivated landscapes. Its cultural and botanical significance continues to be recognized and valued across the globe.

Common Names

En: Japanese Ternstroemia, Japanese Cleyera, Cleyera
: Japanese ternstroemia

Synonyms

• Cleyera gymnanthera (Wight & Arn.)
• Ternstroemia fragrans ((Champ.) Choisy)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Laos (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 10, 2020 by Angela Esquivel Angela Esquivel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by L. Bush (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Jessica Eyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Koji Nishiyama (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Liubov (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.

Habit

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Sunami Naoyuki (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 17, 2019 by Yury Kulikou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2019 by Yury Kulikou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by Kat L. (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:830525-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3591610)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ternstroemia gymnanthera (Wight & Arn.) Sprague)

Specifications

Growth