Ma Jia Zi
Paliurus ramosissimus

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

Paliurus ramosissimus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Roadsides and riverbanks in W. Hupeh and Szechwan.

E. Asia - S. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves are applied as a poultice to ulcers and abscesses. The fruit is cooling and diuretic. The root is used in the treatment of sore throats, swellings and internal injuries. The thorny branches and flowers are used in the treatment of thoracic congestion, abscesses and swellings. The spines are said to benefit the uro-genital system and to increase virility in married men. The flowers are applied to running sores.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

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

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

The plants are used as a hedge in China. The ashes of twigs are mixed with oil for a hairwash. The hard timber can use for producing farm tools.

Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

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

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in full sun. Prefers a limy soil. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame and moved into the greenhouse in February. Fair to good germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and overwinter them in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Root cuttings 4cm long, December in a greenhouse. Fair to good percentage. Layering

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. aubletii. Benth.