Unlike money, some raisins do grow on trees!

raisins
Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Hovenia dulcis is a tree in the Rhamnaceae (buckthorn) family and is native to Asia, found in Eastern China, Korea, and the Himalayas.

Some common names include the Japanese Raisin Tree, Oriental Raisin Tree, and Honey Tree. It is a hardy tree that grows in a sunny position on moist sandy or loamy soils. The timber is used in construction and for fine furnishings. The tree is also known for its health benefits when consumed in tea. Traditional uses include treating hangovers, managing liver diseases, fighting parasitic infections, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. It bears edible fruits that are sweet and fragrant and is edible raw or cooked. When dried, they look and taste like raisins. It can grow to 40 feet tall and wide. The leaves are shiny and pointed. The flowers are cream-colored and the tree is self-fertile. They are in bloom during the middle of Summer and prefer light shade and well-drained soil. Plants are virtually impossible to find in the US and need to be grown from seed.

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