Berchemia lineata

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

Berchemia lineata is a deciduous Climber growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 4

Where it is found

On rocks and in forests, 2000 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas. Scrub thickets in dry places at elevations of 2400 - 4000 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - C. and N. China to the Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit. - raw or cooked. Only eat the fruit when it is black ripe. The fruit is not very freely produced in Britain. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has been used as a febrifuge. The roots and leaves have been used as a medicine to relieve coughs and reduce sputum, to treat injuries, trauma and snakebite

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a good moist well-drained loam, succeeding in full sun if the soil does not dry out otherwise it is best in light shade. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Suitable for growing along fences, against walls with wire supports or for growing through other shrubs. Plants climb by means of twining around supports. Closely related to B. edgeworthii.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November to January in a frame. Root cuttings in winter. Layering of young stems in winter.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Climber

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Rhamnus lineatus.