Debregeasia edulis
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Partial shade
Cultivation
Prefers a fertile well-drained loam with some shelter at the hottest part of the day. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they require greenhouse protection. It might be possible to grow this plant outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, especially if it is given the protection of a warm wall. The fruit is difficult to harvest because the it is tender and falls apart easily, therefore it is not suitable for commercial cultivation. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed and fruit is required.
Propagation
Seed - sow late winter to mid-summer in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 months at 20°c. 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. Softwood cuttings in early summer.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw.
Medicinal uses
A decoction of the leaves and/or the fruits is sudorific.
Habitat
Not known
Native range
E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.