Debregeasia hypoleuca

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

Debregeasia hypoleuca is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. 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). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

Forests and shrubberies, chiefly along watercourses, 1500 - 2400 metres.

W. Asia to the W. Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet but insipid and mucilaginous. About the size of a pea. Used as a flavouring.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

A fibre is obtained from the bark. It is used for making twine and rope. Wood - soft and light. It is not much use and is mployed mainly as a fuel.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Prefers a fertile well-drained loam with some shelter at the hottest part of the day. Plants tolerate occasional lows to about -5°c. This species is probably not very hardy in Britain and will probably require greenhouse protection, though it might be possible to grow it outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, especially if it is given the protection of a warm wall. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed and fruit is required.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter to mid-summer in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 months at 20°c. 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. Softwood cuttings in early summer.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. salicifolia. (D.Don.)Rendle.