Celastrus dependens

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

Celastrus dependens is a deciduous Climber. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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): 0

Where it is found

Open moist places to elevations of 300 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - S.W. China to the Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The young flowers are used as a vegetable.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant is used as an antidote to opium. It is also considered to be analgesic, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic. The bark is abortifacient. The juice from the bark is used in the treatment of indigestion. The seed is aphrodisiac, bitter, emetic, laxative and stimulant. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, leprosy, gout, fevers and paralysis. The oil from the seed is a powerful stimulant. It is used in the treatment of beriberi. Many plants in this genus contain compounds of interest for their antitumour activity.

Abortifacient: Causes an abortion.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Leprosy: Used to treat leprosy - a chronic bacterial infection of the skin and superficial nerves (in the skin) caused by Mycobacterium leprae.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

The seed contains 52% oil, and the fruit 30%. This oil is used medicinally (see notes above), we do not know if it has any other applications.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Prefers a deep loamy soil. A gross feeder, it requires a rich soil. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A rampant climber, it requires ample space and is best grown into an old tree. Fruits best when its top growth is in a sunny position. Plants climb by means of twining and by hooked prickles. They do not normally require pruning. This species is closely related to C. scandens. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - gather when ripe, store in dry sand and sow February in a warm greenhouse. Three months cold stratification leads to a higher germination rate. Remove the aril since this inhibits germination. Germination rates are usually good. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a 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. Layering in August of the current seasons growth. Takes 12 months. Root cuttings, 6mm thick 25mm long in December. Plant horizontally in pots in a frame.

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

Habit: Climber

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. paniculatus. Willd.