Zanthoxylum coreanum

The Korean lime tree, Zanthoxylum coreanum Nakai, is a rare shrub that only grows in Korea and China. In Korea it is called wang-cho-pi tree and is used for many purposes. There are researches that are done to figure out what compounds are in the Zanthoxylum coreanum Nakai and the uses of this plant.

Distribution

Zanthoxylum coreanum Nakai is distributed only in Korea and China. In Korea, it is found on Jeju Island, it is usually found 700-1100m above the sea level. It is usually near valleys and seashores. It is a rare species that has strong germination growth, meaning that they can germinate in hard climates. It can grow in low altitudes and in well drained soil. ^[1] It can be introduced to a new area where it has a milder condition and soil that can drain water well. ^[2]

Habitat and Ecology

Zanthoxylum coreanum Nakai is found mostly in full sunlight or semi sunlight. It does not matter what kind of soil it is grown in but it should be a well drained and moist soil. There is no pH restriction; the Zanthoxylum coreanum can grow on acidic, neutral and basic soil conditions. Zanthoxylum coreanum is a dioecious plant which means that it needs both female and male to germinate so it is not self fertile.^[2]

Morphology

Individuals of this species are, dioecious shrub that produces both flowers and fruits. The trunk of the tree show thick strong thorns. The stems grow erect, and have hairs and thorns. The thorns on the stem can reach a length of 6–12 mm. There are sometimes thorns on the rachis. The leaf is arranged in alternate and is pinnately compound leaf venation. The leaves are shiny and have a strong smell. There are about 7 to 13 leaves on each pinnate venation and the leaves are 1–3 cm wide and 2–5 cm long. Each leaf has ovate or lanceolate shape and serrate marginal shape. ^[1] It also produces fruits and flowers.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers of Zanthoxylum coreanum, are only present on old wood. ^[2] Flowers are in short panicle and diameter of 4–6 cm. The flowers bloom in May and petals are absent from the flower. In a male flower, there are 5–6 calyx and 5 stamens. In female flower, there are 5–8 calyx and 2 carpels. ^[1] Fruits of Zanthoxylum coreanum are in a capsule and in globular shape. It usually has a length of 5 mm and diameter of 4 mm. The fruit matures in September. ^[1]

Usage

In Korea, Zanthoxylum coreanum is used for many purposes including food, and other usages. Leaves are used for herbs, and fruits are used for medicine and seeds are used for making oils. ^[3] In the research done by Chang Soo Yook and Suk Lin Lim, they found β-sitosterol and campesterol in Zanthoxylum coreanum’s leaves. There was two extraction from the plant, first one was skimmianine which is one of alkaloids and the second one was classified as myristic acid. ^[4]

Medicinal

In Korea, Zanthoxylum coreanum is used for many medical purposes. It is made into crude medicine for many sicknesses. Sicknesses include ozena, rheumatoid, nasal sinusitis, meno-xenia, dysperpsia, toothache, sore throat, pains in the limbs and more. ^[5] In an experiment, done by Jae-Hyoung Song, Sung Wook Chae and Kyung-Ah Yoon and more, had proved that Zanthoxylum coreanum contains antiviral against PEDV (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus). Further studies are necessary to know what causes the antiviral against PEDV. ^[6]

References