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Common Name:

General Information

Helwingia liukiuensis is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Japan.

Habitat

Forests in Ryuku[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[]. Requires a sheltered position beneath a good tree canopy cover[].
The flowers are produced on the midribs of the leaves[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold greenhouse in late winter. 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.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.