Oriental bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus
Family: Celastraceae
What it is like
A large vigourous climber which grows 7.5-12 m tall. The leaves are almost round and scalloped. The leaves have pointed tips. The leaves turn yellow in autumn. Male and female flowers are usually on separate plants. The flowers are small and green. The fruit are bead like and yellow. These split open to reveal scarlet coated seeds.
There are about 30 Celastrus species. It can be invasive.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It can tolerate drought. It will grow in most soils. In China it grows between 400-2,200 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. In Sichuan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, Britain, Central Asia, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Slovenia, Tajikistan, USA
How it is used for food
The young shoots are eaten in spring.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
The seeds are spread by birds. Plants can be grown from seeds or from root cuttings.
It is fast growing.
Its other names
Local names
Baiwanye, Man she teng, Navadni davilec, Nobaktonggul