Common Name: Chinese Privet

General Information

Ligustrum lucidum is an evergreen shrub or a small tree that usually grows around 2 - 10 metres tall, though occasional specimens up to 25 metres tall have been recorded. Plants can be deciduous in cold winters[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is cultivated to provide a habitat for a species of insect from whom a white wax can be obtained, and is commonly grown as an ornamental, where it is often used as a hedge.
Ligustrum lucidum has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].
Ligustrum lucidum has been widely introduced into temperate regions around the world, being grown for its ornamental purposes and for use in making hedges. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils and light conditions and, in addition to vegetative reproduction, it produces a large number of seeds which are readily dispersed by birds. These features help to make the plant a successful invader, and it has been reported to be invasive in Argentina, Australia, Mozambique, South Africa and USA, where it can form dense impenetrable stands which can outcompete the native flora and decrease biodiversity[].

Known Hazards

The fruit is mildly toxic[]. Although no other reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, it is quite probable that other parts of the plant also contain toxins[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, Korea

Habitat

Roadsides and in river valleys[]. Woods; at elevations below 2,900 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ligustrum lucidum prefers warm and moist environments (with a mean annual rainfall in the range 700 - 1,600mm) in sub-tropical and warm temperate regions. The plant is moderately cold-tolerant, able to withstand occasional temperatures falling as low as -15°c[, ].
A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged[, ]. Dislikes strongly alkaline soils[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun and also in deep shade[]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[, ].
A moderately fast-growing plant, especially when young[]. It is very tolerant of trimming and will regrow even from very old stems if it is cut back hard[].
A very ornamental plant[], there are some named varieties[]. The variegated cultivars are best grown in full sun[]. The panicles of white flowers have a sickly sweet aroma[].
This plant is a symbol of chastity in China[].
Closely related to Ligustrum japonicum[].
This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails[]. The shoots contain a glycoside and are probably toxic[].

Medicinal

Chinese privet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1,000 years, where it is valued especially as a 'yin' tonic[]. Modern research has shown that the plant increases the white blood cell count and is of value when used to prevent bone marrow loss in cancer chemotherapy patients[, , ], it also has potential in the treatment of AIDS[].

The fruit is antibacterial, antiseptic, antitumour, cardiotonic, diuretic and tonic[, , , ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of complaints associated with weak kidney and liver energy such as menopausal problems (especially premature menopause), blurred vision, cataracts, tinnitus, rheumatic pains, palpitations, backache and insomnia[, ]. Extracts of the plant show antitumour activity[]. Good results have also been achieved when the fruit has been used in treating respiratory tract infections, hypertension, Parkinson's disease and hepatitis[].
The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use[]. It is often decocted with other herbs in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments and also as a general tonic[].
Some caution is advised in their use, since the fruits are toxic when eaten in quantity[].

The leaves are anodyne, diaphoretic, febrifuge, pectoral and vulnerary[].

The bark of the stems is diaphoretic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used as a formal hedge[]. It is very amenable to trimming.
Several species in this genus are reported to act as a reservoir for crop pests such as aphis in tropical and temperate crops[].
The flowers of Ligustrum species also attract a wide range of pollinators which may reduce pollination of important crops such as kiwifruit (McGregor, 2000). Furthermore, honey from such flowers might have a strong smell due to trimethylamine in the nectar. This distinct feature can affect the quality of honey and have an impact on beekeepers activity

Other Uses

A commercial insect wax is produced on the branches as a result of eggs being laid by insects[]. Another report says that the wax is produced by the plant due to the stimulation of the feeding insects[]. Yet another report says that the wax is produced by the insects[]. It is used for candles and as a polish for earthenware pots, book edges etc[].

Propagation

The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame[]. Germination is inhibited unless the fleshy mesocarp surrounding the seed is removed. Optimum germination temperature is 15°c, temperatures above 30°c seem to completely inhibit germination. 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, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Very easy[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in late autumn. High percentage[].