Rhamnella franguloides

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

Rhamnella franguloides is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

On slopes, along roadsides or in forests at elevations below 1100 metres.

E. Asia - China, S. Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. The fruit, which is up to 10mm long, turns dark purple when it is fully ripe.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information for this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in at least the milder areas of the country.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

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

R. japonica. Microrhamnus franguloides.