Common Name: Coral Plant

General Information

Berberidopsis corallina is an evergreen climbing shrub, scrambling and twining into surrounding trees and shrubs for support[, ].
The flexible stems are harvested for use in making baskets. The plant is very ornamental and is often grown in gardens, valued for its decorative leaves, long-lasting floral display and its red fruits.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Chile.

Habitat

Deep, moist ravines in woodlands within the coastal belt[, ]. This species is quite possibly extinct in the wild[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Berberidopsis corallina is not very hardy outdoors in much of the temperate zone[], tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c so long as this is not for prolonged periods[]. It succeeds in maritime climates with their milder winters, but in general needs the protection of a wall and will succeed on a north-facing wall so long as it is protected from winds from that quarter[]. If the top-growth is cut back by winter cold, the plant can re-sprout from the rootstock[].
Prefers a deep, moist, humus-rich soil and a position where it is sheltered from drying winds and strong sunlight[, ]. This species will tolerate a slightly alkaline soil if peat or some other acid medium is added, but it is not really suited to chalky soils[].
The plant usually forms fruit in Britain, but the seed is seldom fertile[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stems are quite flexible and are used in basket-making[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a warm greenhouse in early spring. The seed can take 12 months or more to germinate and there is usually a poor germination rate[]. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frost. Consider giving the plant some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering.