Zanthoxylum Piperitum
Japanese Sichuan pepper
Pepper flower, Faux pepper plant
Scientific classification
Class
Dicotyledoneae
Division
Angiospermae
Family
Rutaceae
Order
Sapindales
Genus
Zanthoxylum
Species
piperitum
Key information
Description
A plant of the Rutaceae family, Chinese pepper or Sichuan pepper is native to Asia. It is common in the Himalayas, Japan and Korea. It grows as a shrub, with a thorny trunk and branches. A deciduous plant, with separate male and female plants, it has small, dark green, glossy, paripinnate leaves. It produces small, greenish-yellow terminal inflorescences; when ripe, reddish fruits appear that resemble peppercorns.
Origin and history
Origin and distribution
Native species of the range extended from China to South Korea and Japan.
Main features
Leaf
The leaves are small with imparipinnate lamina.
Leaf colour
A solid, vibrant colour.
Plant height
The height of the plant varies from 0.25 to 1.8 m, depending on growing conditions and the size of the pot.
Lifespan
Shrubby perennial deciduous plant.
Where to plant
Suitable as a bonsai for both large and small pots. It is grown in pots of various sizes, ranging from 10 cm up to 50–60 cm for special specimens; however, it is more commonly found in pots measuring 12–25 cm.
Stem
The trunk is woody with cracked bark.
Growth
Indeterminate growth species.
Plant habit
It grows in a bushy habit.
Branching
Branching is Medium.
Profile curated by Alessandro Ventura.
