Many of the entries in this record were for Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) Blume; all the entries in this record refer to a species growing in China. We are following the treatment of Qin, X.K. (See Qin, X.K. (2009). A new system of Ligustrum (Oleaceae) Acta Botanica Yunnanica 31: 97-116) which says that Ligustrum robustum is not found in China and that the subspecies that has previously been recorded as growing there (Ligustrum robustum subsp. chinense P.S.Green) is correctly identified as Ligustrum expansum[].

Common Name: Small-leaved Kuding Cha

General Information

Ligustrum expansum is a deciduous shrub or a small tree usually growing from 1 - 10 metres tall[].
This species is the major source of 'small-leaved kuding cha', a popular health promoting tea drunk in some regions of China.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan), northern Vietnam

Habitat

Woods and along streams in montane regions; at elevations from 400 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

A tea is made from the leaves. A bitter flavour, it is a popular drink in parts of China where it is seen as mentally refreshing and health-promoting[, ]. The leaves are a rich source of various bioactive compounds and when the tea is drunk regularly it can have a positive regulatory action upon several body processes[].

Medicinal

The leaves are antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic. Studies have indicated that a tea made from the leaves can have a variety of beneficial actions on the body, such as dispersing heat and resolving toxins, lowering and regulating blood-cholesterol levels, reducing high blood pressure, helping in weight control[].

The leaves contain various bioactive components, including polyphenols, flavonoids, amino acids, caffeine, essential oils, and trace elements. In particular, the polyphenol content is as high as 6%, and thus, a tea made from the leaves is viewed as a health product[].
Research has suggested that through its antioxidant action and other body function regulating activities, regular consumption of the tea can slow down the aging process, leading to a longer, healthier life[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -