The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name:

General Information

Colletia ferox is a Deciduous Shrub
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.00 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.
Grows well in a sandy freely draining loam where it flowers freely in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in dry soils[]. Plants tolerate partial shade if they are grown in a perfectly draining lean soil[].
The plants do not have leaves, but they have very sharp spines which are used instead of the leaves in the function of photosynthesis[].
A very slow growing plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Febrifuge[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing fresh seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse and stored seed as early in the year as it is received. 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 in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature side shoots of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, early winter in a cold frame. Leave for 18 months before potting up. Good percentage[].