396 Species of Genus Litsea

Litsea | Monsteraholic

Frequently Asked Questions About the Litsea Genus

When I first discovered the Litsea genus, I was drawn to its versatility and unique qualities. Litsea has a range of uses, from essential oils to ornamental purposes, and offers a sensory experience that’s both aromatic and therapeutic. With so many people curious about this intriguing plant, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help you better understand Litsea and its many benefits.

What is Litsea?

Litsea is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs belonging to the Lauraceae family. There are hundreds of species, but the most popular is Litsea cubeba, commonly known as May Chang. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant is known for its citrusy aroma and small fruits, often used in essential oils. You’ll find Litsea trees in tropical and subtropical climates, where they thrive in warm temperatures and moderate humidity.

Litsea species

  1. Litsea aban-gibotii Ng
  2. Litsea accedens (Blume) Boerl.
  3. Litsea accedentoides Koord. & Valeton
  4. Litsea acrantha Ridl.
  5. Litsea acutivena Hayata
  6. Litsea aestivalis (L.) Fernald
  7. Litsea akoensis Hayata
  8. Litsea alba Kosterm.
  9. Litsea albayana S.Vidal
  10. Litsea albescens (Hook.f.) D.G.Long
  11. Litsea albicans (Kurz) Hook.f.
  12. Litsea albida (Kosterm.) Kosterm.
  13. Litsea alleniana A.C.Sm.
  14. Litsea alveolata C.K.Allen
  15. Litsea amicorum Kosterm.
  16. Litsea anamalayana Robi & Udayan
  17. Litsea anamo Kosterm.
  18. Litsea andreana Ng
  19. Litsea aneityensis Guillaumin
  20. Litsea angulata Blume
  21. Litsea anomala Merr.
  22. Litsea areolata (Blume) Boerl.
  23. Litsea artocarpifolia Gamble
  24. Litsea assamica Hook.f.
  25. Litsea aurea Kosterm.
  26. Litsea auricolor Kosterm.
  27. Litsea auriculata S.S.Chien & W.C.Cheng
  28. Litsea australis B.Hyland
  29. Litsea bainingensis Rech.
  30. Litsea balansae Lecomte
  31. Litsea banaensis de Kok
  32. Litsea barringtonioides Kosterm.
  33. Litsea baruringensis Elmer
  34. Litsea baticulin (Blanco) Kosterm.
  35. Litsea baviensis Lecomte
  36. Litsea beilschmiediifolia H.W.Li
  37. Litsea bennettii B.Hyland
  38. Litsea bernhardensis C.K.Allen
  39. Litsea beusekomii Kosterm.
  40. Litsea biflora H.P.Tsui
  41. Litsea bindoniana (F.Muell.) F.Muell.
  42. Litsea boerlagei Kosterm.
  43. Litsea borneensis (Meisn.) Boerl.
  44. Litsea bourdillonii Gamble
  45. Litsea brachypoda C.K.Allen
  46. Litsea brachystachya (Blume) Fern.-Vill.
  47. Litsea brassii O.C.Schmidt
  48. Litsea brawas (Blume) Boerl.
  49. Litsea brevipes Kosterm. ex H.H.Pham
  50. Litsea breviumbellata C.K.Allen
  51. Litsea brookeana Kosterm.
  52. Litsea buinensis Kosterm.
  53. Litsea burckelloides A.C.Sm.
  54. Litsea calicaris (Sol. ex A.Cunn.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Kirk
  55. Litsea calophylla (Miq.) Mansf.
  56. Litsea calophyllantha K.Schum.
  57. Litsea cambodiana Lecomte
  58. Litsea cangyuanensis J.Li & H.W.Li
  59. Litsea caroli Teschner
  60. Litsea carrii Kosterm.
  61. Litsea castanea Hook.f.
  62. Litsea catubigensiskos Kosterm.
  63. Litsea caulocarpa Merr.
  64. Litsea ceramensis Kosterm.
  65. Litsea chartacea (Wall. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  66. Litsea chengshuzhii H.P.Tsui
  67. Litsea chewii Kosterm.
  68. Litsea chinpingensis Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  69. Litsea chrysoneura Kosterm.
  70. Litsea chrysophoena (Blume) Boerl.
  71. Litsea chrysopleura (Blume) Boerl.
  72. Litsea chunii W.C.Cheng
  73. Litsea citronella Kosterm.
  74. Litsea clarissae (Teschner) Kosterm.
  75. Litsea clarkei Prain
  76. Litsea claviflora Gamble
  77. Litsea clemensii C.K.Allen
  78. Litsea coelestis H.P.Tsui
  79. Litsea collina S.Moore
  80. Litsea complanata C.K.Allen
  81. Litsea confusa Koord. & Valeton
  82. Litsea connorsii B.Hyland
  83. Litsea cordata (Jack) Hook.f.
  84. Litsea coreana H.Lév.
  85. Litsea coriacea (B.Heyne ex Nees) Hook.f.
  86. Litsea costalis (Nees) Kosterm.
  87. Litsea crassifolia (Blume) Boerl.
  88. Litsea crebriflora S.Moore
  89. Litsea crenata C.K.Allen
  90. Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers.
  91. Litsea cuprea Merr.
  92. Litsea curtisii Gamble
  93. Litsea cuspidata (Blume) Boerl.
  94. Litsea cuttingiana C.K.Allen
  95. Litsea densiflora (Teschner) Kosterm.
  96. Litsea deplanchei Guillaumin
  97. Litsea depressa H.P.Tsui
  98. Litsea dielsiana Teschner
  99. Litsea dilleniifolia P.Y.Pai & P.H.Huang
  100. Litsea diospyrifolia Quisumb.
  101. Litsea discocalyx Kosterm.
  102. Litsea discolor (Blume) Zipp. ex Boerl.
  103. Litsea diversifolia Blume
  104. Litsea domarensis O.C.Schmidt
  105. Litsea dorsalicana M.Q.Han & Y.S.Huang
  106. Litsea doshia (D.Don) Kosterm.
  107. Litsea dunniana H.Lév.
  108. Litsea elliptica Blume
  109. Litsea ellipticibacca Merr.
  110. Litsea elmeri Merr.
  111. Litsea elmeriana Rasingam & Karthig.
  112. Litsea elongata (Nees) Hook.f.
  113. Litsea engleriana Teschner
  114. Litsea erectinervia Kosterm.
  115. Litsea eugenioides A.Chev. ex H.Liu
  116. Litsea exsudens Kosterm.
  117. Litsea fenestrata Gamble
  118. Litsea ferruginea (Blume) Blume
  119. Litsea ficoidea Kosterm.
  120. Litsea filipedunculata Kosterm.
  121. Litsea flexuosa (Blume) Boerl.
  122. Litsea floribunda (Blume) Gamble
  123. Litsea fluminensis Kosterm.
  124. Litsea fo K.Schum. & Lauterb.
  125. Litsea formanii Kosterm.
  126. Litsea forstenii (Blume) Boerl.
  127. Litsea fosbergii Kosterm.
  128. Litsea foveola Kosterm.
  129. Litsea fulva (Blume) Fern.-Vill.
  130. Litsea fulvosericea C.K.Allen
  131. Litsea garciae S.Vidal
  132. Litsea gardneri (Thwaites) Meisn.
  133. Litsea gemelliflora (Miq.) Boerl.
  134. Litsea ghatica Saldanha
  135. Litsea gigaphylla Kosterm.
  136. Litsea gilgiana Teschner
  137. Litsea glaberrima (Thwaites) Trimen
  138. Litsea glabrata (Wall. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  139. Litsea glabrifolia Ridl.
  140. Litsea glaucescens Kunth
  141. Litsea globifera Kosterm.
  142. Litsea globosa Kosterm.
  143. Litsea globularia Ng
  144. Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) C.B.Rob.
  145. Litsea gongshanensis H.W.Li
  146. Litsea gorayana Udayan & Robi
  147. Litsea gracilipes Hook.f.
  148. Litsea grandifolia Lecomte
  149. Litsea grandis (Nees) Hook.f.
  150. Litsea granitica B.Hyland
  151. Litsea grayana A.C.Sm.
  152. Litsea greenmaniana C.K.Allen
  153. Litsea grisea (Blume) Boerl.
  154. Litsea guppyi (F.Muell.) Forman
  155. Litsea habbemensis C.K.Allen
  156. Litsea hayatae Kaneh.
  157. Litsea helferi Hook.f.
  158. Litsea henricksonii Kosterm.
  159. Litsea himalayensis R.Kr.Singh
  160. Litsea hirsutissima Gamble
  161. Litsea hirta (Blume) Boerl.
  162. Litsea honbaensis de Kok
  163. Litsea honghoensis H.Liu
  164. Litsea hookeri (Meisn.) D.G.Long
  165. Litsea hornei A.C.Sm.
  166. Litsea humboldtiana Guillaumin
  167. Litsea hunanensis Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  168. Litsea hupehana Hemsl.
  169. Litsea hutchinsonii Merr.
  170. Litsea hypophaea Hayata
  171. Litsea ichangensis Gamble
  172. Litsea ilocana Merr.
  173. Litsea imbricata Guillaumin
  174. Litsea impressa (Blume) Boerl.
  175. Litsea imthurnii Turrill
  176. Litsea indoverticillata Robi & Udayan
  177. Litsea insignis (Blume) Boerl.
  178. Litsea intermedia (Blume) Boerl.
  179. Litsea irianensis Kosterm.
  180. Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Juss.
  181. Litsea jaswirii Ng
  182. Litsea johorensis Gamble
  183. Litsea kakkachensis R.Ganesan
  184. Litsea kauloensis Teschner
  185. Litsea keralana Kosterm.
  186. Litsea kerrii Kosterm.
  187. Litsea kingii Hook.f.
  188. Litsea kobuskiana C.K.Allen
  189. Litsea kurzii King ex Hook.f.
  190. Litsea kwangsiensis Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  191. Litsea kwangtungensis H.T.Chang
  192. Litsea laeta (Nees) Trimen
  193. Litsea laevifolia Kosterm. ex H.H.Pham
  194. Litsea laevigata (Nees) Gamble
  195. Litsea lanceolata (Blume) Kosterm.
  196. Litsea lancifolia (Roxb. ex Nees) Fern.-Vill.
  197. Litsea lancilimba Merr.
  198. Litsea lecardii Guillaumin
  199. Litsea ledermannii Teschner
  200. Litsea leefeana (F.Muell.) Merr.
  201. Litsea leiantha (Kurz) Hook.f.
  202. Litsea leytensis Merr.
  203. Litsea liboshengii H.P.Tsui
  204. Litsea ligustrina (Nees) Fern.-Vill.
  205. Litsea lithocarpoides Kosterm.
  206. Litsea litseifolia (C.K.Allen) Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  207. Litsea longepedunculata Kosterm.
  208. Litsea longipedicellata Kosterm.
  209. Litsea longipes (Meisn.) Hook.f.
  210. Litsea luzonica (Blume) Fern.-Vill.
  211. Litsea machilifolia Gamble
  212. Litsea machiloides Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  213. Litsea mafuluensis C.K.Allen
  214. Litsea magnifolia Gillespie
  215. Litsea maingayi Hook.f.
  216. Litsea maluensis Teschner
  217. Litsea manilaliana Robi & Udayan
  218. Litsea martabanica (Kurz) Hook.f.
  219. Litsea mathuataensis A.C.Sm.
  220. Litsea megalophylla Merr.
  221. Litsea megamalayana Karupp., V.Ravich. & Bharath
  222. Litsea meghalayensis R.Kr.Singh
  223. Litsea mekongensis Lecomte
  224. Litsea melchioriana (Teschner) Kosterm.
  225. Litsea mellifera A.C.Sm.
  226. Litsea membranifolia Hook.f.
  227. Litsea meyeri Kosterm.
  228. Litsea miana Guillaumin
  229. Litsea micrantha Merr.
  230. Litsea minor Teschner
  231. Litsea miqueliana (Kuntze) ined.
  232. Litsea mishmiensis Hook.f.
  233. Litsea mollis Hemsl.
  234. Litsea monopetala (Roxb.) Pers.
  235. Litsea montis-dulit Airy Shaw
  236. Litsea morobensis C.K.Allen
  237. Litsea morotaiensis Kosterm.
  238. Litsea morrisonensis Hayata
  239. Litsea moupinensis Lecomte
  240. Litsea muellerorum I.M.Turner
  241. Litsea myristicifolia (Wall. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  242. Litsea mysorensis Gamble
  243. Litsea nemoralis (Thwaites) Trimen
  244. Litsea neocaledonica S.Moore
  245. Litsea neohebridensis Kosterm.
  246. Litsea nervosa (Meisn.) Grierson & D.G.Long
  247. Litsea nhatrangensis de Kok
  248. Litsea nicobarica Bhuinya & P.Singh
  249. Litsea nigrescens Gamble
  250. Litsea nigricans (Meisn.) Boerl.
  251. Litsea nitida (Roxb. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  252. Litsea noronhae Blume
  253. Litsea novoguinensis Teschner
  254. Litsea novoleontis Bartlett
  255. Litsea nuculanea (Kurz) Hook.f.
  256. Litsea oblongifolia Merr.
  257. Litsea obscura (Blume) Boerl.
  258. Litsea oleoides (Meisn.) Hook.f.
  259. Litsea oligophlebia H.T.Chang
  260. Litsea oppositifolia Gibbs
  261. Litsea orocola Kosterm.
  262. Litsea ovalifolia (Wight) Trimen
  263. Litsea ovalis Kosterm.
  264. Litsea pallens Lundell
  265. Litsea pallida (Blume) Boerl.
  266. Litsea pallidifolia Merr.
  267. Litsea palmatinervia (Meisn.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Drake
  268. Litsea palustris Kosterm.
  269. Litsea panamanja (Buch.-Ham. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  270. Litsea papillosa C.K.Allen
  271. Litsea papuana K.Schum.
  272. Litsea parvifolia (Hemsl.) Mez
  273. Litsea pedicellata Bartlett
  274. Litsea pedunculata (Diels) Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  275. Litsea penangiana Hook.f.
  276. Litsea pentaflora Guillaumin
  277. Litsea pentagona Merr.
  278. Litsea perfulva Elmer
  279. Litsea perglabra C.K.Allen
  280. Litsea perlucida C.K.Allen
  281. Litsea perrottetii (Blume) Fern.-Vill.
  282. Litsea philippinensis Merr.
  283. Litsea phuwuaensis Ngerns.
  284. Litsea pickeringii (A.Gray ex Seem.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Drake
  285. Litsea pittosporifolia Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  286. Litsea plateifolia Elmer
  287. Litsea polyneura (Meisn.) Boerl.
  288. Litsea populifolia Gamble
  289. Litsea pringlei Bartlett
  290. Litsea prolixa S.Moore
  291. Litsea propinqua (Blume) Boerl.
  292. Litsea pruriens Kosterm.
  293. Litsea pseudoelongata H.Liu
  294. Litsea pseudoumbellata Kosterm.
  295. Litsea psilophylla Kosterm.
  296. Litsea pumila Kosterm.
  297. Litsea punctata (Blume) Boerl.
  298. Litsea punctulata Kosterm.
  299. Litsea pungens Hemsl.
  300. Litsea quadrangularis Kosterm.
  301. Litsea quercoides Elmer
  302. Litsea racemosa C.T.White
  303. Litsea rangoonensis (Meisn.) Hook.f.
  304. Litsea resinosa Blume
  305. Litsea reticulata (Meisn.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex F.Muell.
  306. Litsea richii A.C.Sm.
  307. Litsea ridleyi Gamble
  308. Litsea rigidifrons Kosterm.
  309. Litsea riparia (Blume) Boerl.
  310. Litsea ripidion Guillaumin
  311. Litsea robusta Blume
  312. Litsea rotundata (Blume) Kosterm.
  313. Litsea rotundifolia (Nees) Hemsl.
  314. Litsea rubescens Lecomte
  315. Litsea rubicunda Kosterm.
  316. Litsea rubiginosa (Blume) Boerl.
  317. Litsea rubra Blume
  318. Litsea rubrobrunnea de Kok
  319. Litsea salicifolia (Roxb. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  320. Litsea saligna (Nees) N.P.Balakr.
  321. Litsea salmonea A.Chev. ex Dao
  322. Litsea samoensis (Christoph.) A.C.Sm.
  323. Litsea sandakanensis Merr.
  324. Litsea santapaui Kosterm.
  325. Litsea schlechteri Teschner
  326. Litsea seemannii (Meisn.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Drake
  327. Litsea segregata Elmer
  328. Litsea semecarpifolia (Wall. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  329. Litsea sepikensis Kosterm.
  330. Litsea sericea (Wall. ex Nees) Hook.f.
  331. Litsea sessiliflora Hook.f.
  332. Litsea sessilifructa (C.J.Qi & K.W.Liu) L.Wu & J.J.Zhou
  333. Litsea sessilis Boerl.
  334. Litsea siamensis van der Werff
  335. Litsea sinoglobosa J.Li & H.W.Li
  336. Litsea solomonensis C.K.Allen
  337. Litsea spathulata Kosterm.
  338. Litsea spathuliformis Munzinger & McPherson
  339. Litsea sphaerocarpa Blume
  340. Litsea staintonii Kosterm.
  341. Litsea steenisii Kosterm.
  342. Litsea stenophylla Guillaumin
  343. Litsea stickmanii Merr.
  344. Litsea stocksii (Meisn.) Hook.f.
  345. Litsea subauriculata Kosterm.
  346. Litsea subcoriacea Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  347. Litsea suberosa Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  348. Litsea suboppositifolia Ng
  349. Litsea subovata (Miq.) Kosterm.
  350. Litsea subumbelliflora (Blume) Ng
  351. Litsea sulavesiana Kosterm.
  352. Litsea sumatrana (Miq.) Boerl.
  353. Litsea szemaois (H.Liu) J.Li & H.W.Li
  354. Litsea talaumifolia Kosterm.
  355. Litsea tannaensis Guillaumin
  356. Litsea taronensis H.W.Li
  357. Litsea tenuipes Ridl.
  358. Litsea tetranthera Mirb.
  359. Litsea tharpiana Standl.
  360. Litsea thorelii Lecomte
  361. Litsea tibetana Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  362. Litsea timonioides Kosterm.
  363. Litsea tomentosa Blume
  364. Litsea travancorica Gamble
  365. Litsea trichophylla Kosterm.
  366. Litsea triflora Guillaumin
  367. Litsea tsinlingensis Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  368. Litsea tuberculata (Blume) Boerl.
  369. Litsea turfosa Kosterm.
  370. Litsea udayanii Robi
  371. Litsea umbellata (Lour.) Merr.
  372. Litsea uniflora Guillaumin
  373. Litsea unita (Blume) Boerl.
  374. Litsea urdanetensis Elmer
  375. Litsea utilis (Meisn.) Boerl.
  376. Litsea vang Lecomte
  377. Litsea vanoverberghii Merr.
  378. Litsea variabilis Hemsl.
  379. Litsea varians (Blume) Boerl.
  380. Litsea veitchiana Gamble
  381. Litsea velutina (Blume) Boerl.
  382. Litsea venulosa (Meisn.) Hook.f.
  383. Litsea versteeghii C.K.Allen
  384. Litsea verticillata Hance
  385. Litsea verticillifolia Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  386. Litsea virens (Nees) Boerl.
  387. Litsea viridis H.Liu
  388. Litsea vitiana (Meisn.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Drake
  389. Litsea walkeri Trimen
  390. Litsea whiteana C.K.Allen
  391. Litsea whitfordii Merr.
  392. Litsea wightiana (Nees) Wall. ex Hook.f.
  393. Litsea wilsonii Gamble
  394. Litsea xanthophylla (Blume) Boerl.
  395. Litsea yaoshanensis Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang
  396. Litsea yunnanensis Yen C.Yang & P.H.Huang

What Does Litsea Smell Like?

The scent of Litsea, particularly from Litsea cubeba, is fresh, lemony, and slightly floral. Imagine a blend of lemongrass and citrus fruits, with a hint of spice in the background. The aroma is often described as uplifting and refreshing, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and aromatherapy.

What is Litsea Essential Oil?

Litsea essential oil is extracted from the fruits of the Litsea cubeba plant through steam distillation. It’s a light, citrus-scented oil with a bright, invigorating fragrance. In aromatherapy, Litsea oil is often used for its mood-lifting properties. It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent qualities, making it useful in skincare products.

What is Litsea Essential Oil Used For?

Litsea essential oil has several applications. I often use it in diffusers to help uplift the mood and reduce stress. Its antimicrobial properties make it a great addition to cleaning products, while its astringent nature is beneficial in skincare routines to tone and purify the skin. Some people use Litsea oil to alleviate respiratory issues, thanks to its decongestant properties. It’s also great for combating oily skin and acne due to its cleansing abilities.

What is Litsea Good For?

Litsea is good for many things. Its essential oil is prized for emotional balance, helping to reduce anxiety and uplift the spirits. In skincare, Litsea oil can help tone and tighten the skin while managing acne. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties also make it useful for cleaning, especially when you want to add a fresh scent to your home. Some people use it in massage blends for its anti-inflammatory effects, soothing sore muscles and joints.

How to Use Litsea Oil?

There are several ways I like to use Litsea oil. For aromatherapy, I’ll add a few drops to my diffuser to create a calming and energizing environment. It can also be added to a carrier oil and applied topically to help with skin conditions or mixed into lotions and creams for a refreshing scent. Litsea oil works well in homemade cleaning solutions too—just mix it with water and vinegar for a natural disinfectant. However, always dilute it properly when applying to the skin.

Is Litsea Photosensitive?

One important thing to know is that Litsea oil is not photosensitive, meaning it doesn’t cause adverse reactions when exposed to sunlight. This makes it safe to use in skincare products, unlike other citrus oils like lemon or bergamot, which can lead to skin irritation when exposed to UV rays.

Is Litsea Safe for Dogs?

Litsea oil should be used with caution around pets, including dogs. While it’s not considered toxic, essential oils, in general, can cause adverse reactions in pets, especially when used in high concentrations. I would recommend consulting your vet before using Litsea oil around your dog to ensure safety. If you diffuse it at home, make sure your dog can leave the room if they find the scent overwhelming.

Is Litsea Safe for Internal Use?

Ingesting Litsea oil is generally not recommended unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional. While some essential oils are used internally for therapeutic purposes, Litsea oil may cause irritation or toxicity when taken orally. It’s best to stick to external applications like diffusion or topical use.

What Does Litsea Taste Like?

If you’re curious about the taste, Litsea fruits are often described as slightly tangy with a hint of spice. The flavor is not typically used in culinary applications but is more common in traditional medicine. The oil itself is not consumed due to potential irritation, but the fruits may sometimes be incorporated into herbal remedies.

Can You Grow Litsea Indoors?

Growing Litsea indoors can be challenging because the plant prefers warm, tropical environments. However, with the right care, such as plenty of sunlight and a humid environment, you might succeed with smaller species or young plants. Just make sure to give it ample light, and water regularly, as Litsea enjoys moist but well-drained soil.

How to Care for Litsea Plants?

Caring for Litsea requires the right climate and attention to its needs. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. If you live in a tropical or subtropical region, you can plant them outdoors, but they also make great additions to greenhouses. Fertilize the plant during the growing season and water regularly, making sure not to let the soil dry out completely.

Is Litsea Toxic?

Litsea is generally safe for humans, though, as with any plant, it’s a good idea to avoid ingesting large amounts of the fruit or leaves without proper guidance. The essential oil, while beneficial in many ways, should not be consumed internally. As mentioned earlier, use caution with pets, and always consult an expert if unsure.

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