Helwingia liukiuensis
Hatus.
gbif· cc-by-nc
President and Fellows of Harvard College
gbif· cc-by-nc
President and Fellows of Harvard College
gbif· cc-by-nc
President and Fellows of Harvard College
Description
Helwingia liukiuensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Leaves - cooked.
Distribution
E. Asia - Japan.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Requires a sheltered position beneath a good tree canopy cover. The flowers are produced on the midribs of the leaves. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold greenhouse in late winter. 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.
