Lycium ruthenicum
Murray.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) MRN, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by MRN
Description
Lycium ruthenicum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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 and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten.
Medicinal Uses
Cancer Ophthalmic. The plant is used as an ointment to treat blindness in camels. 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
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, it does belong to a family that contains many poisonous plants. Some caution should be applied, especially towards leaves or unripe fruits, though ripe fruits are almost certainly edible.
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey (east), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China (Gansu Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Ningxia Huizi Zizhiqu, Qinghai Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng (north), Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Xizang Zizhiqu) TROPICAL ASIA: Pakistan EUROPE: Russian Federation-European part (European part (southeast))
Cultivation
Does not require a rich soil, flowering and fruiting better in a well-drained soil of moderate quality. Succeeds in impoverished and saline soils. Requires a sunny position. Tolerates maritime exposure and drought.
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. Plants are very drought tolerant and have an extensive root system. They can be planted to stabilize banks and sandy soils.
