Epigaea asiatica is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae. It is endemic to Japan. It has pale pink flowers, and seeds that are dispersed by ants.
Description Epigaea asiatica is an evergreen shrub up to 0.1 m (0 ft 4 in) by 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is leafy all year round, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has male and female organs).
Uses The fruits of Epigaea asiatica, called iwanashi (katakana: イワナシ; kanji: 岩梨), which are harvested from the wild, are used in seasonal dishes in some parts of Japan.
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