Mallotus japonicus aka Akamegashiwa (Ja)

Mallotus japonicus is a deciduous shrub or small tree. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Its common names include food wrapper plant and kamila tree. It comes from temperate eastern Asia, including China, Taiwan and Japan. Its Chinese range includes southern Zhejiang. Wild plants grow in open woods, along woodland edges and in valleys. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In gardens, it reaches 12–15 feet (3.7–4.6 metres) tall. Some plants reach 20 feet (6.1 metres), beyond the usual garden range. Its spread can reach about 15 feet (4.6 metres). Gardeners can grow it as a shrub or short tree. The large leaves provide its main ornamental value. Each leaf measures about 0.5–0.83 feet (0.15–0.25 metres) long. Leaves reach about 0.33–0.5 feet (0.10–0.15 metres) wide.

The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Their broad shape ranges from egg-shaped to roughly triangular. Some leaves have two lobes, while others lack them. Fine hairs cover the leaves, and their veins stand out. New leaves and shoots show red as they emerge. The leaves turn green as they mature. Their large size and shape give them a catalpa-like look. The plant loses its leaves for winter.

Flowers appear from April through June in yellowish-white tones. They are small and lack petals. Dense hairs cover the flower spikes at the stem tips. These spikes form a roughly pyramidal shape. They measure about 0.33–0.67 feet (0.10–0.20 metres) long. Individual flowers draw less attention than the broad leaves. Plants are dioecious: male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The supplied evidence does not describe the fruit.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade. It accepts average soil, provided water drains well. Its water needs are moderate, and routine care is light. It is winter hardy in USDA zones 8–10. Growers can raise new plants from seed or cuttings. It suits hedges and plantings valued for bold foliage. No serious insect or disease problems are reported. The supplied sources do not establish edible parts or toxicity. The common name alone does not show that it is edible.