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Description
Schisandra Chinensis, commonly known as magnolia vine or five-flavor berry, is a deciduous woody vine that belongs to the Schisandraceae family. It is native to East Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Russia. The plant grows up to 30 feet tall and produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers give way to bright red berries, which are the most distinctive feature of the plant. Schisandra Chinensis berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine for their adaptogenic and antioxidant properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Crossosomatales |
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Genus | Schisandra |
Appearance
Schisandra Chinensis has a climbing habit and can be trained to grow on trellises or arbors. The plant has dark green, glossy leaves that are alternately arranged on the stem. The leaves are ovate in shape and grow up to 5 inches long. The plant produces fragrant, white to pinkish flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers give way to bright red berries that are about the size of a small grape. The berries are oblong in shape and have five distinct flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. The plant’s bark is grayish-brown and has a scaly texture.
Care Guide
Schisandra Chinensis is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Schisandra Chinensis prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Schisandra Chinensis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal.
- Sunlight: Schisandra Chinensis prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. Provide some shade during the hottest part of the day in hot climates.
- Hardiness Zones: Schisandra Chinensis is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Schisandra Chinensis is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause curling and distortion of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.
Habitat
Schisandra Chinensis is native to China, Korea, and Russia. The plant grows in forests, thickets, and along stream banks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. Schisandra Chinensis is widely cultivated in China for its medicinal properties and is also grown as an ornamental plant in other parts of the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Schisandra Chinensis safe to consume?
A: Yes, Schisandra Chinensis berries are safe to consume in moderate amounts. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming Schisandra Chinensis.
Q: Can Schisandra Chinensis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Schisandra Chinensis can be grown indoors in a bright location with some direct sunlight.
Q: How long does it take for Schisandra Chinensis to produce berries?
A: Schisandra Chinensis can take 3 to 4 years to start producing berries.
Q: What are the health benefits of Schisandra Chinensis?
A: Schisandra Chinensis berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine for their adaptogenic and antioxidant properties. They are believed to improve liver function, boost immunity, and reduce stress.
Related Plants
- Schisandra Sphenanthera
- Schisandra Glabra
- Schisandra Rubriflora
References
- Chang HM, But PP, editors. Pharmacology and applications of Chinese materia medica. Vol. 1. Singapore: World Scientific; 1986. p. 984–92.
- Chen J, Chen T. Chinese medical herbology and pharmacology. City of Industry (CA): Art of Medicine Press; 2004.
- Lin LZ, Harnly JM. Identification of phenolic components of Schisandra chinensis fruits by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection. J Chromatogr A. 2010;1217(11):1811–9.
