Cu kang shu
Ehretia dicksonii

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A tree up to about 15 m tall. The leaves are narrowly oval and have some hairs. The flowers are small and white to pale yellow. They are fragrant. They are in clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit are roundish and yellow. They are 12 mm across.

There are about 50 Ehretia species. It is a rare plant.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows on open forests on slopes, shaded moist hillsides between 100–2300 m altitude in China. It is best in light, humus-rich, well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Himalayas, Indochina, Japan, Nepal, SE Asia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Buna

Synonyms

Ehretia dicksonii var. tomentosa Nakai; E. macrophylla Wallich var. tomentosa Gagnepain & Courchet