Hemiphragma heterophyllum
Wallich.
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(c) lougarou, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by lougarou
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(c) shanzhong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by shanzhong
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(c) 林棋欽, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 林棋欽
Description
Hemiphragma heterophyllum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw. The bright red ripe fruits are eaten fresh.
Medicinal Uses
Styptic. The juice of the plant is applied to cuts and wounds.
Distribution
E. Asia - Western Himalayas.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Gansu Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines
Cultivation
Grows best in a warm, sheltered sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Plants are not very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to around -7°c. It succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain but elsewhere needs protection from winter cold. A prostrate perennial, forming spreading carpets of growth.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. 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 them out in late spring or early summer. Division of plants in mid spring. Layering. Plants often produce new roots along the stems at the nodes. Cuttings.
