Common Name:

General Information

Berchemia polyphylla is a deciduous shrub with a scrambling to climbing habit; it grows 3 - 4 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a tea.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, India, Myanmar.

Habitat

Mountain forests, forests in valleys, forest margins, thickets, slopes; at elevations from 100 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Berchemia polyphylla is a plant of warm temperate to subtropical regions, it grows in China in hardiness zones 6 - 10.
Species in this genus generally require a good moist well-drained loam, succeeding in full sun if the soil does not dry out otherwise growing best in light shade[, ].

Edible Uses

The young leaves are used as a substitute for tea[]. (This report refers specifically to the var leioclada).

Medicinal

The roots and leaves are used medicinally[]. No more details are given. (This report refers specifically to the var leioclada).

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[]. 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[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, late autumn to January in a frame.
Root cuttings in winter[].
Layering of young stems in winter[].