Zanthoxylum

( ZANTH - oh - zye - lum )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes trees, shrubs, and vining plants that are native to warm, tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. It is famous for its species that are cultivated for their use as spices, including Sichuan Pepper. In temperate climates, these plants are typically kept as bonsai subjects or grown indoors or in greenhouses.

Zanthoxylum Species and Varietals

The genus Zanthoxylum is the type genus member of the plant family Rutaceae, and includes around 250 distinct species. The growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species; for more information, consult the information below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Zanthoxylum acanthopodium (Andaliman)
This species is native to China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is closely related to the Sichuan Pepper plant (Zanthoxylum bungeanum), and seed pericarps that are used as spice have a tongue-numbing effect, with lemony flavor.

Zanthoxylum armatum (Winged Prickly Ash, Rattan Pepper)
These plants form aromatic, spiny shrubs that reach up to 11 feet tall, and are native to Pakistan, southeast Asia, Korea, and Japan. It is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant, and also produces a spice called Timut Pepper (which is less pungent than Sichuan Pepper).

Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Sichuan Pepper)
These plants are native to China, Mongolia, Manchuria, Nepal, Qinghai, Tibet, and Xinjiang. It is an introduced species in Uzbekistan. Leaves are green to dark green, and flowers are followed by berries that are red when ripe.

Zanthoxylum piperitum (Japanese Pepper, Japanese Prickly-Ash, Sansho, Sancho, Chopi)
Leaves and fruits (peppercorns) produced by this species are used as aromatics and various flavoring agents in Japan and Korea (its native range). Pulverized mature fruits harvested from these plants are a standard spice used in the region, and are a main ingredient in Shichimi, alongside red chili peppers.

Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Indian Prickly Ash, Teppal, Mac Khen)
This species is native to India, the Philippines and Australia. Leaves are glossy and green, and the species forms a deciduous shrubby tree or shrub. Flowers are inconspicuous, and are followed by red, brown, or black fruits. As a tree, the species can reach up to 85 feet tall.

Zanthoxylum simulans (Chinese-Pepper, Chinese Prickly-Ash, Flatspine Prickly-Ash)
Native to southern and central China, Taiwan, and South Korea, these plants form spreading shrubs or small trees to 23 feet tall. Berries have rough, reddish-brown shells that split open to release the black seeds inside. It is one of the species used to produce Sichuan Pepper.

Caring for Zanthoxylum


Harvesting Sichuan Pepper

Propagation

Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.

Problems and Pests

?? plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on common garden problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery

The blooming season of this plant (February–March) is celebrated with the Mustard Festival, a series of festivities in the wine country of California (Napa and Sonoma Counties).[13]

Videos

All about Lipstick Trees.
How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.

Resources

Wikipedia: Zanthoxylum