Indian strawberry (Duchesnea indica)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −23.3 °C

Cultivation

Prefers a moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 weeks or more at 15°c. A period of cold stratification may speed up germination. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division of runners in spring or late summer. Very easy, they can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw. Leaves - cooked.

Medicinal uses

The whole plant is anticoagulant, antiseptic, depurative and febrifuge. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of swellings. An infusion of the flowers is used to activate the blood circulation. The fruit is used to cure skin diseases. A decoction of the plant is used as a poultice for abscesses, boils, burns etc.

Material uses

A good ground cover plant, spreading quickly.

Habitat

Shady places in woods, grassy slopes, ravines in low mountains, all over Japan.

Native range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas. An occasional garden escape in Britain.