Scientific Name
Lonicera japonica Thunb.
Common Names
Japanese honeysuckle
Origin
China and Japan
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a semideciduous vigorous climber or scrambling shrub, usually climbing into the canopy. Young stems are pubescence (having short, weak soft hairs).
Leaves are oval to lance shaped, glossy, leathery and deep green with a prominent central vein. The leaves are opposite. The leaf tip may be slightly pointed or broadly rounded. The leaf margins are entire and smooth. Both surfaces are sparsely hairy but upper surface becomes hairless with age.
Flowers are paired, white to creamy yellow, fragrant and the nectar is sweet to taste.
Fruit is oval shaped and shiny black.
Sources & References
"Plantnet FloraOnline" (2005) http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
"Flora of New South Wales" editor Gwen J. Harden, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Prepared by Justin KY Chu, July 2005
Checked by IEWF, November 2006