Kadsura japonica
Family: Schisandraceae
What it is like
Kadsura japonica is an evergreen Climber growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September. 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): 3.5
Where it is found
Climbs trees in woodlands. Forests and slopes at elevaions of 500 - 2000 metres in Fujian and Taiwan Provinces, China.
E. Asia - southern China, central and southern Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is up to 6mm long.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the dried fruits is bechic, stomachic and tonic.
Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in any fertile garden soil. Requires a sheltered position in a moderately fertile well-drained neutral to acid soil. Prefers a position in semi-shade. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it succeeds when grown against a sunny wall in the milder areas of the country. The flowers emit a soft sweet perfume. Flowers are produced on the current year's growth. Plants do not really require pruning. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed 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: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist