Berchemia racemosa
Family: Rhamnaceae
What it is like
Berchemia racemosa is a deciduous Climber growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from June to August. 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): 12
Where it is found
Thickets in low mountains.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit. The ripe fruit is eaten. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. Leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable. The leaves are a tea substitute.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
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. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Plants climb by means of twining around supports. They are useful for covering walls, fences and tree stumps. The fruit takes about one year to ripen. It is only produced in Britain after a hot summer. Plants do not normally require pruning.
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; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist