A fast growing tree that produces small raisin like fruit from the trunk. The Raisin Tree is deciduous and can grow to a height of 21m but is more commonly around 9m with a single trunk and a rounded head. They have large, glossy, green, cordate leaves which can be rather limp. The flowers are small but are clustered together in great masses and are cream in colour.

Showy white flowers in early summer with a pleasant fragrance. Grown as an ornamental for its nice shape and striking glossy green leaves, but chiefly grown for its fascinating ‘fruit’.

The edible fruit is actually the swollen peduncles from which the true fruit (not eaten) hangs. These swollen fruit stalks (25-50% sugars – glucose/sucrose/fructose) are eaten fresh, cooked, or most commonly dried, when they look and taste very much like a raisin. Commonly describes as having a pear flavour with cinnamon and clove overtones. An extract of the seeds and young leaves is used as a honey substitute.

Once the tree starts fruiting it is prolific, but harvesting is labour intensive. Harvest is late summer to autumn. You won’t find these in supermarkets.

Currently approx 30cms  high.

Specifications of Japanese Raisin

Preferred ClimateSubtropical, Warm Temperate

Grown FromSeedling

Max Height (when in the ground with good conditions)5-10m

Plants required to Pollinate1 (Self Pollinating)

Can it Handle Frosts?Yes

Amount of leaves in Winter?No Leaves (Deciduous)

Water RequirementsModerate Watering

Fruiting/Harvest MonthsJune, July, August