Himalayan beauty
Schisandra grandiflora

Family: Schisandraceae

What it is like

A trailing herb or climber. It can climb 6 m high. The leaves have stalks. They are alternate or clustered. The are oval or wider near the base. They are pointed. They have small teeth near the end. It loses its leaves during the year. Plants are separately male and female. The flowers have stalks. They are white and droop. The flowers have a scent. The fruit is round and red. It does not have a stalk. It is fleshy and with 2 seeds.

There are about 25 Schisandra species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal they grow between 1700-3300 m altitude. They grow in mixed forests. They need a well drained soil and partial shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. They can be eaten raw or cooked.

It is popular.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed or cuttings. Both male and female plants are needed for seed production.

In Sikkim fruit are available June to October.

Its other names

Local names

Agali, Ageli, Ballon, Bani, Chimgaddi, Dhayik, Haliyude, Klandru, Kaljendru, Pahenlo singulto, Sigauto, Sillangti, Singara, Singato lahara, Singhatta lahara, Sirkul, Skeng-smra, Takseik-rik, Taksielrik

Synonyms

Kadsura grandiflora Wall.; Sphaerostema grandiflora (Wall.) Bl.;