Harvesting and Fresh-keeping Methods for Cut Leaves of Japanese Spindle

[Other Chinese Names] Yagi, Dongqing Weimao, Fufangshu, Haiweimao, Huangzhualongshu, Jiaweimao, Maixiang, Japanese Euonymus, Sijiqing, Zhengmu

[Family and Genus] Celastraceae, Euonymus

[Place of Origin] Japan, China

[Plant Characteristics] Japanese spindle is an evergreen shrub or small tree. The plant height can reach 8 m. The branchlets are green. The simple leaves are opposite, obovate or narrowly oblong, 3-6 cm long, with an acute or obtuse apex, a broad wedge-shaped base, and finely blunt-toothed margins, smooth, leathery.

[Cut Leaf Harvesting] The harvested part is the leafy branches of Japanese spindle. They can be harvested when the leaves are fully expanded and have turned dark green. During harvesting, care should be taken not to cause major damage to the plant shape. The operation can be carried out all day. The product should first be placed temporarily in a cool place and precooled as soon as possible.

[Grading] The harvested leafy material should be graded on the premise that it has the typical characteristics of this species, is free from damage and contamination, and has a good visual effect: the length of grade 1 cut leaves is about 50 cm; the length of grade 2 cut leaves is about 40 cm; the length of grade 3 cut leaves is about 30 cm. The length difference among cut leaves of the same grade should not exceed ±2 cm of the standard.

[Packaging] Bind leafy branches of Japanese spindle of the same grade into bundles of 20 stems and secure them, then place them separately into ventilated corrugated boxes lined with film and marked with the product name.

[Fresh-keeping Management] The cut leaves can be stored in an environment with a relative humidity of 90%-95% and a temperature of 2-4°C. After opening the box, spray water to maintain moisture and insert them into water as soon as possible. If they can be placed in a spot with intermittent direct sunlight, it will help maintain the quality of the Japanese spindle leafy material.

[Storage Period] Treated according to the above method, the leafy branches of Japanese spindle can usually be stored for 7-10 days without affecting the decorative effect.

[Horticultural Application] Japanese spindle has green branches and leaves and lasts well in water, making it a low-priced foliage for flower arrangements.

[Marketing Tips] The supply period of cut leaves of Japanese spindle is mainly concentrated from June to October each year.