Contents
Description
Lycium Chinense is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China, Japan, and Korea. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. The plant features delicate purple flowers that bloom in the summer, followed by bright red berries in the fall. Lycium Chinense has many health benefits and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, and inflammation.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
Appearance
Lycium Chinense grows up to 4 meters tall and 2 meters wide. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and about 5 cm long. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and purple. They bloom in the summer and are followed by bright red berries that are about 1 cm in diameter. The berries are edible and have a sweet taste.
Care Guide
Lycium Chinense is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of it:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Lycium Chinense prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Lycium Chinense is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycium Chinense is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant well-watered and avoid over-fertilizing. If pests do appear, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if it is over-watered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Lycium Chinense is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky slopes. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in sandy or rocky soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lycium Chinense a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Lycium Chinense is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, and inflammation.
Q: Can Lycium Chinense be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lycium Chinense can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: Does Lycium Chinense attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Lycium Chinense berries are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Q: How often should Lycium Chinense be pruned?
A: Lycium Chinense should be pruned once a year in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Related Plants
- Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry)
- Lycium Europaeum (European Matrimony Vine)
- Lycium Ruthenicum (Chinese Desert-thorn)
References
- “Lycium chinense.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c810
- “Lycium chinense.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 3, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:817102-1
- “Lycium chinense.” University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP640
