Cercis chinensis

Bunge

Chinese redbud

Fabaceae Edible: Leaves, Flowers 827 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cercis chinensis, the Chinese redbud, (simplified Chinese: 紫荆; traditional Chinese: 紫荊; pinyin: Zǐjīng) is a plant in the legume the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to China, where it grows in southern and north-central China and Manchuria.

Description

A shrub. It grows 2-5 m tall. The leaves are a triangle or oval shape and 5-10 cm long. The flowers are purple, red, pink or white. They are 1-1.3 cm across. They are in clusters of 2-10 flowers. The pod is green and oblong and 4-8 cm long by 1 cm wide. There are 2-6 seeds.

Edible Uses

No edibility records have been confirmed for this species, but on a zero-moisture basis the seed contains 16.6% protein, 9.2% fat, and 2.8% ash.

Medicinal Uses

The plant is used to treat bladder diseases, post-partum discharges, bleeding piles, and internal parasites. The wood and bark have been used to treat abscesses, bladder ailments, and head troubles.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests in limestone areas. In Sichuan and Yunnan. Arboretum Tasmania.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Korea, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position. Dislikes drought. Repays generous treatment. Although the dormant plant is cold-hardy, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. This species does not flower very freely in Britain. Plants do not thrive at Kew, they prefer a hotter climate. The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant. Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Resents root disturbance, plants should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, preferably in May, and should be kept well watered until established. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water, then cold-stratified for 3 months before sowing in spring in a greenhouse. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Plants resent root disturbance and should be moved to their permanent positions as soon as possible. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July or August in a frame.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Synonyms

C. japonica.

Also Known As

Momoye

References (2)

Kang, Y., et al, 2012, Wild food plants and wild edible fungi in two valleys on the Qinling Mountains (Shaanxi, central China) Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine; 9:26
Liu, Yi-tao, & Long, Chun-Lin, 2002, Studies on Edible Flowers Consumed by Ethnic Groups in Yunnan. Acta Botanica Yunnanica. 24(1):41-56