Family: RHAMNACEAE
A deciduous tree native to Japan, China and the Himalayas, it is suited to temperate and subtropical climates, and is very hardy to cold. The tree can grow to 18 m.
The swollen stem which holds the inedible fruit is the part that is eaten and, as the name implies, tastes somewhat like raisins. In China they are used to annul the effects of wine. The seeds, boughs and young leaves were used in preparing a honey substitute. It is a good spring honey plant.