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Common Name:

General Information

Skimmia laureola is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

A poisonous alkaloid called 'skimmianin' is found in all parts of the related S. japonica, it is probably also present in this species[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas to N. China.

Habitat

An undershrub in rocky places in oak and fir forests, 2400 - 3600 metres from C. Nepal to N. China[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a well-drained open loam or in a peaty soil in a sunny position[]. Probably flowers well in the shade[]. Plants are very tolerant of atmospheric pollution, being unharmed by deposits of soot or a sulphur-laden atmosphere[].
This species is not very frost-hardy and so is rather tender in much of Britain[].
The flowers are sweetly scented[]. The small yellow flowers are oppressively scented, giving a somewhat unpleasant smell near to, though agreeable at a distance[]. The bruised leaves are strongly aromatic[].
The plant is superficially similar to Daphne cannabina and is often mistaken for that species[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked. Used as a condiment[]. The strongly aromatic leaves are used in curries or as a flavouring for other foods[, , ].

Medicinal

The leaves are used in the treatment of smallpox[]. The smoke produced by burning them is said to purify the air[].

Other Uses

An essential oil in the leaves is used in scenting soap[, , ]. The dried leaves are used as an incense[, , ]. The fresh leaves are used to make garlands for weddings[].
Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 1 metre apart each way[].
Wod - used to make handles of small farming implements such as hoes and axes[].

Propagation

Seed - can be sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. It also succeeds when sown in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
If there is sufficient seed then it can be sown can be in an outdoor seedbed in early spring[]. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for a couple of years before planting them out in late autumn or early spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a cold frame[].
Cuttings of nearly mature side shoots, 7 - 10cm with a heel, September in a cold frame. Slow to root, they should be left for 18 months before moving to their permanent positions. Good percentage[].
Layering in autumn. Takes 18 months. Good to high percentage[].