Glossy Privet (Ligustrum Lucidum) トウネズミモチ（唐鼠黐）

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

The glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) is native to China, was introduced to Japan during the Meiji period (1868–1912), and can now be found across the country. In Japan, it produces flowers from June to July and fruits in October (scroll down to see them). The fruits are green at first and turn purplish-black toward winter. Its Japanese name is tou-nezumi-mochi, which translates to "Chinese mouse mochi," because the fruits look like mouse droppings and the leaves resemble those of the mochi tree, or nepal holly (Ilex integra). Despite their resemblance to mouse droppings, the fruits of this privet are used in herbal medicine.

The glossy privet is widely planted in urban areas (e.g., Tokyo) because it's highly tolerant of air pollution, heavy urban smog, and poor soil conditions.

2026/6/22