About Rhodotypos scandens (Thunb.) Makino
The scientific name of this plant is Rhodotypos scandens (Thunb.) Makino. It grows 2–5 m tall, and bears opposite leaves instead of the alternate leaves that are typical for most Rosaceae species. Its leaves are simple, ovate-acute, 3–6 cm long, 2–4 cm broad, and have serrated margins. Flowers are white, 3–4 cm in diameter, and also have an unusual trait for this plant family: they grow four petals instead of five. It flowers from late spring to mid-summer. Its fruit forms a cluster of 1 to 4 shiny black drupes, each 5–8 mm in diameter. This plant does not have a widely accepted common English name. It is most often referred to by its genus name, rhodotypos, and is occasionally called jetbead or jet-bead. It is classified as an invasive species in some parts of eastern North America. The fruits of this plant are considered highly toxic to humans. Ingestion may cause symptoms including difficult breathing, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, abdominal pains, vomiting, spasms, convulsions, coma, and respiratory failure. Eating the fruits may be fatal.
