Rhodotypos scandens

Planted: 1919

This shrub can be found in the south west corner of the arboretum.

Distribution:	Native to China, Korea, possibly also Japan. Also known as ‘Black Jet Bead‘ and ‘White Jew’s Mallow‘. An invasive species in parts of eastern north America.
Planting Date:	Purchased from Thomas Smith, Daisy Hill Nursery, Newry, Northern Ireland in 1919.
Growth Habit:	A deciduous multi-stemmed shrub
Bark:	Dark brown, initially smooth but becoming rougher with age.
Leaf:	The leaves are opposite, simple ovate-acute, 3–6 cm long and 2–4 cm broad with a serrated margin.
Flowers:	The flowers are white, 3 to 4 cm diameter, and have four petals; flowering is from late spring to mid-summer.
Fruit:	The fruit is a cluster of 1 to 4 shiny black drupes 5 to 8 mm diameter.
Toxicity:	Fruits are highly toxic to humans and may be fatal if eaten.
Uses:	An ornamental shrub.
Plant Hunter:	Unknown
Introduction Date:	1866
Anecdotes and Comments:	*Rhodotypos scandens is classified within the rose family, Rosacea (Rhodotypos means ‘rose type’). It is atypical having opposite leaves instead of alternate leaves and only four petals instead of the usual five. The common name, Jet, refers to the black colour of the fruit being likened to the gemstone of the same name, a black form of lignite or soft coal that has been blackened and hardened under extreme pressure. The specific name scandens usually means climbing but can also mean creeping. Jet Bead does not climb but can definitely creep.