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Common Name:

General Information

Coriaria microphylla is a

Known Hazards

The seed is poisonous[]. The plant is toxic to grazing mammals[]. Most, if not all members of this genus are poisonous, though it is said that the fruit is safe to eat[]..

Botanical References

Range

Southern S. America. New Zealand.

Habitat

Steep cliffs or terraces in the Andes[]

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.20 m

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fairly good loamy soil in a sunny sheltered position[, ]. Succeeds in light shade[].
A very ornamental plant[], it is only hardy in the milder areas of the country, such as S.W. England[], where it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c[].
The roots of plants in this genus bear nitrogen-fixing nodules[]. Whilst much of the nitrogen will be utilized by the growing plant, some of it will become available for other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fruits are hallucinogenic[]. When taken internally they provide sensations of flying[].

Other Uses

A black ink is obtained from the leaves, it can also be used as a dye[, ]. The bark can also be used, it is rich in tannin.
An effective ground cover plant, spreading by rhizomes to form a fern-like colony[].

Propagation

Seed - sow February/March in a greenhouse[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. 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, 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair percentage[].
Division in spring[].