Japanese lime
Tilia japonica (Miq.) Simonk.
Tilia japonica, known as Japanese lime, is a species of Tilia native to eastern China and Japan, typically found in mountainous areas up to 2000 m. It was originally described as a variety of Tilia cordata but is now recognized as a distinct species. It has 164 chromosomes, differing from T. cordata's 82, and is distinguished by consistent 5 staminodes in its inflorescences. Recent studies highlight its role in supporting ectomycorrhizal networks in Japanese forests.
Description
Tilia japonica is a tree in the Malvaceae family, growing in mountainous regions of China and Japan. It was first classified as Tilia cordata var. japonica but is now recognized as a separate species due to chromosomal and morphological differences. It can be distinguished from T. cordata and T. amurensis by its consistent 5 staminodes in the inflorescences. Research shows it plays a significant ecological role in maintaining ectomycorrhizal networks in the forests where it is found.
Other common names
Japanese limeJapanese linden
Distribution
Global · China North-Central · China Southeast · Japan
Synonyms
Tilia cordata var. japonicaTilia eurosinicaTilia ulmifolia var. japonicaTilia japonica var. ishiharai