Common Name:

General Information

Callicarpa mollis is an erect, deciduous shrub that can grow 240cm or more tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its colourful fruit.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Central and southern Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Rich woods and thickets. In forests from the lowlands to elevations of 500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Callicarpa mollis is only really hardy in the milder parts of the temperate zone, able to withstand occasional temperatures falling as low as about -5°c[, ].
Requires a sunny position or light dappled 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[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[, , ]. The violet-purple, globose fruits are around 4 - 5mm in diameter[]. No further details are given.

Medicinal

None known

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[].