Leaves are alternate, distichous, with slender greenish spiny serrations on the margin, pinnately nerved with about 20 pairs of lateral veins.

Flowers in June to July, in long axillary spikes on new shoots.

Fruits are maturing in September to Octber.

This is a very popular tree in Japan, and ranged from the southern part of Hokkaido, through Honshu and Shikoku, to Kyushu.

The wood, hard and strong, is used for buildings, furniture, sleepers and so on.

Distribution ; Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu