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Sakaki

How to identify Sakaki (Cleyera japonica)

Sakaki

Sakaki is an evergreen shrub or small tree renowned for its lush, rounded foliage. Its leaves are a striking dark green on the upper surface with a dull olive green underside, measuring 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) in length. The new growth presents a reddish-bronze hue. In midsummer, sakaki blooms with small, creamy-white flowers that exude a pleasant fragrance. These blossoms may be followed by small, round black fruit. Its mature size in cultivation typically ranges from 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide, forming a full, billowing presence.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Sakaki

1

Leaves are dark green above, lighter beneath, oblong to elliptical, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

2

New growth displays a reddish-bronze hue, providing visual interest and contrast.

3

Fruit is a spherical drupe, 0.3-0.4 inches (8-10 mm) in diameter, turning glossy black when ripe.

4

Bark is smooth, light gray, with slight furrowing and potential development of flaking layers.

5

Flowers are bell-shaped, white, 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) across, fragrant, and hang downward.

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Detailed Traits of Sakaki

Leaf Features

The leaves of sakaki are leathery with a dark green upper surface and a lighter green underside. New leaves emerge in a bronze color before maturing to green. They have an oblong to elliptical shape, ranging from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in width. The texture is distinctly tough and glossy, with a pronounced midrib and secondary veins that are less conspicuous. The dense, evergreen foliage provides a camellia-like appearance.

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Flower Features

The flowers of sakaki are typically solitary or form in small clusters of 2-5 blooms from May to June. They are approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) across, bell-shaped, fragrant, and hang downward. The flowers are white, contributing to their delicate and appealing appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of sakaki is a spherical drupe, typically around 0.3-0.4 inches (8-10 mm) in diameter. Upon maturity, the initially green fruit matures to a glossy black hue. These fruits are commonly borne in clusters, providing a striking contrast against the foliage. The outer skin is smooth with a somewhat leathery texture. Inside the hard exterior, there is a single, relatively large seed that occupies most of the fruit's inner space. These fruits are visually appealing, though not widely recognized for their edibility.

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Key Facts About Sakaki

Attributes of Sakaki
Spread
2.5 m to 3 m
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Bronze
Brown
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Black
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Sakaki

Genus
Cleyera
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Species
Sakaki (Cleyera japonica)
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Distribution Map of Sakaki

Sakaki is primarily native to East Asia, flourishing in a variety of environments including temperate and subtropical regions. Its presence extends even further due to cultivation, as it adapts well to different locations. The species is now found across a broader area within Asia, often cherished in ornamental gardens for its aesthetic appeal.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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