Cornaceae · Cornus kousa
Native to: Korea, China, Japan
This most decorative plant from Japan and Korea is grown for its abundant flowers, interesting fruits and autumn colour. Forms a deciduous large shrub or small tree with an open, upright habit. In early summer it produces clusters of white flower bracts, followed by fleshy, strawberry-like fruits. Features brilliant, scarlet autumn colour.
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C. kousa has edible berries. The soft pulp is sweet with a similar flavour to a ripe persimmon but the presence of hard seeds that are well attached to the pulp can be inconvenient when eaten directly. The rind of the berries is usually discarded because it has a bitter taste, although it is edible. The seeds are usually not eaten, but could be ground into jam and sauces. While less popular than the berries, young leaves can also be consumed.
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