Kadsura heteroclita
Family: Schisandraceae
What it is like
Kadsura heteroclita is an evergreen Climber growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from September to December. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Forests, ravines and along the sides f rivers at elevations of 400 - 900 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas - from Sikkim to western China, also in Sri Lanka, Thailand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. The subglobose fruit is 25 - 40mm in diameter. Seed. No more details are given.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a sheltered position in a moderately fertile well-drained neutral to acid soil200]. Prefers a position in semi-shade. Flowers are produced on the current year's growth. Plants do not really require pruning. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed and fruit is required.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown when it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in early summer and give some protection for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame. Overwinter in the greenhouse and plant out in late spring. Good percentage. Layering of long shoots in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist