Queen coralbead
Cocculus orbiculatus

Family: Menispermaceae

What it is like

Cocculus orbiculatus is a deciduous Climber growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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): 4

Where it is found

Sides of streams, to 1000 metres in W. China. Sparse forests, bushes, village sides and forest edges in most regions of China.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked. An emergency food, it is used when all else fails. One report says that the root might be edible.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is anodyne, antiphlogistic, antirheumatic, carminative, depurative, diuretic and vermifuge. It is used in the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, oedema and oliguria. It has also shown antibacterial and anti-amoebic activity. A decoction of the stems is used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and paralysis.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

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

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Other

Rating:

The bleached tendrils are used as an ornamental infill in basket making. The plant contains cocculoidine which has insecticidal activity.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

How it is grown

Easily cultivated in an ordinary garden soil, it prefers a well-drained moisture retentive fertile soil in full sun or semi-shade. Plants only fruit well when grown in full sun. This species is hardy to about -10°c. Plants climb by means of twining around supports. They do not normally require pruning. Closely related to C. carolinus.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in a greenhouse. 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 in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Root cuttings in December in a greenhouse. Division in the dormant season. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

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

Habit: Climber

Hardiness: 6-9

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. thunbergii. C. trilobus. Cebatha orbiculata. Menispermum trilobum.