Hovenia consists of deciduous trees featuring alternate leaves that are either heart-shaped or oval. The trees produce small, fragrant flowers that are greenish-yellow and grow in loose clusters at or near the tips of the branches. The resulting fruit is small and spherical.

Hovenia

Hovenia acerba

Hovenia dulcis is a tree that begins with an upright growth habit before developing a more spreading form. Its leaves are heart-shaped, measuring between 10 to 20 cm in length, with a glossy dark green surface and a soft, hairy underside. In summer, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers emerge, releasing a pleasant fragrance. As the flowers decline, the stems swell and transform into red, sweet, and edible structures. Eventually, these will give way to small black fruits.