Lycium chinense
Mill.
Chinese Boxthorn, Chinese desert-thorn
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Description
Lycium chinense is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Tea. Fruit - raw, cooked in soups etc or dried for later use. Sweet with an aniseed-like flavour. The fruit is an oblong berry about 15mm long by 8mm wid. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten. Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. A peppermint-like flavour, the leaves are used in salads or used as a potherb. Rich in vitamin A., the leaves also contain about 3.9% protein, 2.25% carbohydrate, 0.7% fat, 1.4% ash. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. The dried leaves are a tea substitute.
Medicinal Uses
Antibacterial Antipyretic Cancer Haemostatic Hepatic Hypoglycaemic Infertility Kidney Ophthalmic Tonic Vasodilator. Chinese boxthorn is a major Chinese tonic herb with a history of almost 2,000 years of medicinal use. Both the berries and the root are used and traditionally the plant is believed to promote long life. The fruit is one of the most popular tonics used in Chinese herbal medicine. A decoction is used to clear the vision, strengthen the kidneys, restore semen and nourish the liver. The fruit protects the liver from damage caused by exposure to toxins. It is also used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, vertigo, nocturnal emissions and aching back and legs. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers. The seed is used as a haemostat for the control of bleeding, with a special action on the kidneys and sex organs. The root bark is antibacterial, antipyretic, hepatic, hypoglycaemic and vasodilator. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as digestive secretions. The root is used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia in small children, chronic febrile disease, night sweats, cough and asthma, tuberculosis, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The root can be harvested at any time of the year but traditionally it is harvested in the spring and can be dried for later use. The root bark contains betaine. This can increase the rate of growth of farm animals and increase the weight and amount of eggs, it is used in the treatment of achlorhydria, atherosclerosis and hepatic diseases. Haemostatic.
Known Hazards
Some caution should be exercised with this species, particularly with regard to its edible leaves, since it belongs to a family that often contains toxins. However, use of the leaves is well documented and fairly widespread in some areas.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Japan. Naturalized in Britain, especially by the sea.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Mongolia (south), China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng (south), Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hainan Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Ningxia Huizi Zizhiqu, Qinghai Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Thailand
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it does not require a rich soil, flowering and fruiting better in a well-drained soil of moderate quality. Succeeds in impoverished soils. Requires a sunny position. Tolerates maritime exposure. A very hardy plant tolerates temperatures to about -23°c. This species is widely cultivated for its edible young shoots in China. There is much confusion between this species and the closely related L. barbarum. Most, if not all, of the plants being grown as L. chinense in Britain are in fact L.barbarum. Goji berries are usually harvested in late summer to early autumn when the berries are fully ripe and have turned bright red. Lycium species generally flower in late spring to early summer producing small, tubular flowers that can be purple or white. Lycium species are moderately fast-growing plants. Depending on growing conditions, they often reach a height of about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) within a couple of years.
Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually good and fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the shoot tips of the young plants in order to encourage bushy growth. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel if possible, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, autumn to late winter in a cold frame. High percentage. Division of suckers in late winter. Very easy, the suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. Layering.
Other Uses
Hedge Hedge Soil stabilization Agroforestry uses: Due to its dense growth, Goji can be used in agroforestry systems as a hedgerow or windbreak. It also contributes to soil health and attracts beneficial insects. Can be grown as an informal hedge, succeeding in maritime exposure. Plants have an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize banks.
Also Known As
Chinese wolfberry, Chu chi, Daun koki, Gau gei choi, Gouqi, Gugijanamu, Holly Willow, Kaokichai, Kaukichai, Kaukichoy, Kei-chi, Kou-chi, Kou-kay-choi, Kuko, Matrimony vine
