Chinese Honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica Thunb.
Lonicera japonica, commonly known as Chinese Honeysuckle, is a species native to East Asia and a member of the Caprifoliaceae family. It is a climbing shrub with opposite leaves and tubular flowers. The species was first described by Thunb. in 1784. It is widely distributed across various regions, including parts of China, Korea, and several islands. The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine and is also cultivated for ornamental purposes, though it has become invasive in some areas outside its native range.
Description
Lonicera japonica is characterized by its opposite, simple leaves and fragrant, bilabiate flowers that are typically white or yellow. The flowers are bisexual and have four to five petals. The plant produces red berries that are toxic to humans but consumed by some bird species. It is a vigorous climber and can grow in a variety of habitats. The species is part of the genus Lonicera, which includes approximately 180 species. The plant has been reported in numerous regions, including parts of Europe, North America, and Africa. Its medicinal properties are well-documented in traditional Chinese medicine.
Other common names
Chinese HoneysuckleGold-And-Silver-FlowerJapanese HoneysuckleYellow Japanese Honeysuckle
Distribution
Ontario · Açores · Madeira · Portugal Continental · Faial Island · Flores Island · Graciosa Island · Pico Island · São Jorge Island · São Miguel Island · Terceira Island · Madeira Island · TR · TW · ZA · SC · Juan Fernandez Islands · HR · IE · CK · BR · NU · AS · Kosrae · Pitcairn Islands · WS · Belgium · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain
Synonyms
Lonicera miyagusukianaLonicera aureoreticulataLonicera diversifoliaLonicera flexuosaLonicera finlaysonianaLonicera cochinchinensisLonicera repensNintooa japonicaXylosteon flexuosumCaprifolium brachypodumCaprifolium chinenseCaprifolium japonicumCaprifolium roseumLonicera brachypoda var. repensLonicera faurieiLonicera chinensisLonicera japonica var. japonicaLonicera japonica var. repensLonicera brachypodaLonicera japonica f. macranthaLonicera japonica var. sempervillosaLonicera shintenensis
