Soh shun, Chinese beauty berry
Callicarpa rubella
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A compact semi-deciduous shrub. The stems are 2.7 m long. They arch over. The leaves are pale yellowish-green. They are 12 cm long. The flowers are small and pink. The fruit are deep purple berries. They remain on the plant for a long time.
There are about 140-150 Callicarpa species. Most are in the tropics and subtropics. Previously in the Verbenaceae family.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows naturally in tropical and subtropical Asia. It needs a warm location. In southern China it grows between 100-3,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The bark and roots are chewed as a substitute for betel nut. The roots are also eaten.
Edible parts
Leaves, ? edible or wrapping?, bark - masticatory, root
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Bonmala, Gopura esing, Ja-lang-kwai