Berchemia sinica
Family: Rhamnaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It can be climbing. It grows 5 m tall. The leaves are alternate and greyish white underneath. They are 3-6 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The flowers usually occur singly and are yellowish green. The fruit is purple to red and turns black when mature. It is cylinder shaped and 5-9 mm long by 3 mm wide.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in mixed forests in valleys between 1,000-2,500 m above sea level. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan in China.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Himalayas, Tibet
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh. The young leaves are used for making tea drinks.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
In Yunnan the fruit are harvested August to September and the leaves from April to June.
Its other names
Local names
Saiu, Sau, Sawi, Ti ge er, Yaguteng, Zhila