Schisandra rubriflora
Family: Schisandraceae
What it is like
A deciduous climber. It grows 4.5-6 m long. The leaves are dark green and glossy. They are oval or sword shaped and 5 cm across by 15 cm long. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are deep red with a slight sweet smell. They are 2.5 cm across. The fruit occurs in long strings. These are 15 cm long. They are like a red currant.
There are about 25 Schisandra species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate slight frosts. It grows in forests between 2,500-3,600 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tibet
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh and also used to prepare local wine.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
In Yunnan fruit are harvested from August to October.
Its other names
Local names
Wuweizi