Berchemia flavescens - (Wall. ex Roxb.)Brongn.
(Wall. ex Roxb.)Brongn.
Description
Berchemia flavescens is a deciduous Climber growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Fruit - eaten raw when fully ripe. The sausage-shaped fruit is about 12mm long.
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas in India, Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Bhutan.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Requires a good moist well-drained loam, succeeding in full sun if the soil does not dry out otherwise it is best in light shade. Suitable for growing along fences, against walls with wire supports or for growing through other shrubs. Plants climb by means of twining around supports. Flowers are produced on the current years growth. It takes almost 12 months from flowering to ripening the fruit.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November to January in a frame. Root cuttings in winter. Layering of young stems in winter.
