Tuhu
Coriaria sarmentosa

Family: Coriariaceae

What it is like

Coriaria sarmentosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Open places, especially on debris slopes, from the coast to the upper montane areas on North, South and Stewart Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or used as a beverage. The pressed fruit is drunk raw or fermented into a wine. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed, are very toxic and some reports suggest the fruit should not be used at all.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

A black ink is obtained from the leaves, it can also be used as a dye. The bark can also be used, it is rich in tannin.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Prefers a fairly good loamy soil in a sunny sheltered position. Succeeds in light shade. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c and succeeds outdoors from Sussex and westwards. There is some confusion over the name of this species, some botanists unite this species with the S. American C. ruscifolia whilst others maintain that they are distinct. The roots of plants in this genus bear nitrogen-fixing nodules. Whilst much of the nitrogen will be utilized by the growing plant, some of it will become available for other plants growing nearby.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February/March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. 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, 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair percentage.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant, except the 'fruit' (actually the petals) are highly poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. ruscifolia. L.