Japanese raisin tree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Japanese raisin tree |
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Hovenia
Thunb.
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H. dulcis
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| Hovenia dulcis Thunb.
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The Hovenia dulcis is a special tree often called the oriental raisin tree. It gets this name because its stems taste sweet, a bit like raisins! This tree grows naturally in countries like Japan, Korea, Eastern China, and the Himalayas mountains.
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How the Oriental Raisin Tree Grows
The oriental raisin tree can grow quite tall, reaching about 10 meters high. That's like a three-story building! Its bark is a dark gray color.
The tree's white flowers usually open up during the summer months, between June and July. Later, in September and October, the tree starts to grow its fruit. These fruits are brown and have a unique shape, often described as looking like a chicken's claw.
The seeds from the fruit fall off the tree between February and March. Not every seed will grow into a new tree. Only about 2% to 15% of the seeds will sprout, which is called their germination rate. Most oriental raisin trees start to grow their own fruit when they are only two years old.
Where the Tree Likes to Live
The oriental raisin tree is very tough and can grow in many different places. It doesn't mind if it gets a lot of sun or if it's in the shade. Cold weather doesn't usually hurt this tree, but it doesn't like long periods without rain, also known as drought.
What's really cool about this tree is that it can grow even in soil that has a lot of salt. This means you can often find it growing near the sea! The oriental raisin tree is also strong against Pollution. Because of this, it can live well in cities and other busy industrial areas where the air might not be as clean.
What the Tree is Used For
The wood from the oriental raisin tree is very useful. People use it to build things like houses and other buildings. It's also used to make musical instruments, parts of ships, and different kinds of furniture.
The stem of the oriental raisin tree is sweet, which makes it popular to eat. People also use it to make tasty drinks. Besides being a sweet treat, the stem is also used in traditional medicine because it has special properties that can help people.
Images for kids
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Hovenia dulcis
See also
In Spanish: Hovenia dulcis para niños
