Common Name:

General Information

Callicarpa dichotoma is a much-branched deciduous shrub with arching branches that often dip downwards and touch the ground; it can grow 1 - 3 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for medicinal use. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its colourful fruit and sometimes used as a hedge[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southeastern China, Taiwan, central and southern Japan, Korea, Vietnam

Habitat

Mixed forests on mountain slopes; at elevations up to 600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Callicarpa dichotoma is found in the temperate to subtropical regions of southeastern China, where it grows in hardiness zones 6 - 10.
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade[, , 352[. The best flowering and fruiti set comes from plants grown in full sun. Stems can become leggy in too much shade[]. Prefers a highly fertile well-drained loamy soil[, ].
Requires cross-pollination for good fruit production[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
The plant flowers and fruits on the current season's growth and so any pruning is best done whilst the plant is dormant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaf is astringent and styptic. It is used to allay bleeding after tooth extraction, in surgery and trauma, as well as to treat haemoptysis, nosebleeds, haemafaecia, functional uterine bleeding[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is sometimes grown as a hedge in gardens[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse[]. Only just cover the seed[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 18°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10cm long, mid summer in a frame. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth with a heel[] taken in early spring[].