Hovenia dulcis

The Japanese Raisin Tree occurs from Japan, over Eastern China and Korea to the Himalayas (up to altitudes of 2,000 m), growing preferably in a sunny position on moist sandy or loamy soils. The trees bear clusters of small cream-colored hermaphroditic flowers in July. The drupes appear at the ends of edible fleshy fruit stalks, which is a type of accessory fruit. The sweet and fragrant fruit is edible raw or cooked. Dried, they look and taste like raisins. An extract of the seeds, and young leaves can be used as a substitute for honey. .