Mitsumata, paperbush, Japanese paper plant Mitsumata, paperbush, Japanese paper plant

Daphne gardneri Wallich, Asiat. Res. 13: 388, plate 9. 1820; Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindley; E. papyrifera Siebold and Zuccarini

Branches yellow-brown when young. Leaves: petiole 5–7 mm; blade 8–25 × 2–5 cm, membranous, base cuneate, apex usually acute, rarely obtuse, surfaces sericeous. Flowers fragrant; hypanthium curved, 10–18 mm, outer surface silvery-sericeous or villous; calyx yellow or white, lobes distinct, 2–5 mm; anthers oblong; pistil villous; style 2–4 mm. Drupes ellipsoid to ovoid, 6–8 mm, dry. 2n = 36.

Flowering spring (May–early Jun). Mesophytic forests; 400–500 m; introduced; Ga.; Asia (China).

Edgeworthia chrysantha is cultivated and escapes to moist woods (W. H. Duncan, pers. comm.). The pith is a source of pulp for fine Japanese papers.