Hovenia

Hovenia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rhamnaceae. The genus is native to eastern Asia. The most well-known species is Hovenia dulcis, commonly known as the Japanese raisin tree or Oriental raisin tree. This species is widely cultivated for its edible, fleshy fruit stalks, which are sweet and have a flavor reminiscent of raisins. The fruits themselves are small, black berries.

Hovenia dulcis is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a broad, spreading crown and ovate, serrated leaves. The flowers are small and greenish-white, appearing in panicles in the summer. The fruit stalks, or pedicels, swell and become fleshy and sweet after the fruit matures. These swollen pedicels are the part of the plant most commonly consumed.

The Japanese raisin tree has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in China and Korea. Various parts of the plant have been used for ailments such as liver disorders, hangovers, and diabetes. Modern research has investigated the potential health benefits of Hovenia, including its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The tree is also valued as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.