Helwingia chinensis

Family: Helwingiaceae

What it is like

A shrub which can lose its leaves. It grows about 3 m tall. The leaves are large and rich green. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The leaves are alternate and have teeth. The flowers appear on the leaves. The fruit is fleshy.

There are 3-5 Helwingia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in shade. In China it grows between 1,300-2,300 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Indochina, Myanmar, North America, SE Asia, Thailand, Tibet, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are fried.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ninahagubii

Synonyms

Several varieties.