Schisandra sphenanthera
At a glance
- Exposure
- Full shade
- Frost limit
- −17.8 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a rich well-drained moisture retentive soil. Plants are intolerant of drought[K]. This species is hardy to about -7°c. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Plants climb by twining around supports. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Germination can be slow and erratic. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for their first 2 years. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame. Overwinter in the greenhouse and plant out in late spring. Layering of long shoots in the autumn.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. We have no specific information on this species, but the fruit is quite probably edible[K].
Medicinal uses
The following report is for S. chinensis. This species is used for similar purposes in southern China. Wu Wei Zi is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. The fruit is antitussive, aphrodisiac, hepatic, astringent, cardiotonic, cholagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, lenitive, nervine, pectoral, sedative, stimulant and tonic. The fruit contains lignans. The seed is used in the treatment of cancer. The plant is antirheumatic. A mucilaginous decoction obtained from the branches is useful in the treatment of coughs, dysentery and gonorrhoea.
Habitat
Rich forests and woodland.
Native range
E. Asia - Southern and Western China.