Nandina domestica Thunb. (1781) Heavanly Bamboo the genus consists of only one species from eastern Asia, N. domestica Thunb., in the family Berberidaceae.

Description Shrubs to 3m, with upright, little-branched stems. The leaves are evergreen, much branched, with numerous leaflets, either in groups of 3 or pinnately arranged. The flowers are borne in pyramidal sprays, small, 6mm across, white, with numerous sepals and 6 petals. Anthers 6, opening by slits, with very short filaments. Ovary with 1 ovule, a short style, and minute stigma. Pollination is presumed to be by insects. The fruits are around 1cm across, red, or creamy yellow in var. leucocarpa Yanagawa, with 1 seed.

Key Recognition Features Upright stems and branching leaves.

Evolution and Relationships Not particularly close to other members of the family, and sometimes separated in the family Nandinaceae.

Ecology and Geography In woods and shady places. Native from central China to Japan, and long cultivated in both countries.

Comment Nandina is a useful evergreen for a shady corner, flowering and fruiting best in climates with warm, moist summers. In Japan it is often planted by the doors and under the eaves of houses to bring luck to the family, and was first recorded as a garden plant in the 13th century. By the late 19th century over 100 varieties were being grown in Japan, many variegated, some with thread-like, bamboo-like, or twisted leaves; it became associated with the tea ceremony and was also used in flower arrangements. In both China and Japan the berries have been used to treat asthma and whooping cough. It is sometimes called sacred bamboo. Z7.