Lycium europaeum

European tea-tree, Box thorn

Solanaceae Edible: Fruit, Leaves, Shoots Potential hazards — see below 337 iNaturalist observations

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(c) Σάββας Ζαφειρίου (Savvas Zafeiriou), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Σάββας Ζαφειρίου (Savvas Zafeiriou)

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Description

Lycium europaeum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. 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

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is a berry about 8mm in diameter. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten. Young shoots - cooked.

Medicinal Uses

Cancer. 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.

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

S.W. Europe to the Mediterranean.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Egypt (Sinai), Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey EUROPE: Slovakia, Albania, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Serbia, Spain (incl. Baleares), France, Portugal AFRICA: Portugal (Madeira Islands), Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

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. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c and succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country. There is much confusion between this species and the closely related L. barbarum and L. chinense. Most, if not all, of the plants being grown as L. europaeum in Britain are in fact L.barbarum. Many botanists unite the three species under the name L. barbarum, though they are distinct. 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, often reaching a height of about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) within a couple of years, depending on growing conditions. Many Lycium species, including Goji berries, are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit from their own flowers.

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

Soil stabilization. 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. Plants have an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize banks.