Aucuba japonica

Common name(s) Japanese aucuba, Japanese laurel.

Toxin(s) Aucubm, a glycoside.

Toxic part(s) Whole plant.

Signs Moderate signs of GI upset including nausea, vomiting, and rarely diarrhea.

Treatment Rarely necessary. Supportive for fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance
**I think this is what you've found. Best not to try making coffee from it!
I love your page. As a confirmed Kyotophile from Australia, I have to have my daily dose of your page. Please keep up the great work.

Wow, I thought it tasted a little funny. I guess the numbness and walking in tight circles isn't just from the caffeine ;-)

Thanks for the info, but I'm a little disappointed that I didn't find a secret source of free coffee. It's good to know someone that knows their shokubutsu. It really doss look like coffee, doesn't it.