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: Sacred Bamboo

General Information

Nandina domestica is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

The fruit is poisonous[].All parts of the plant contain toxic substances, including hydrocyanic acid and nandenine[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan and India.

Habitat

Ravines and valleys in mountains and warmer parts of C. and S. Japan[]. Streamsides in montane forests, roadsides, shrub forests at elevations below 1000 metres in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a deep rich moist soil in a sheltered sunny position[, ]. Prefers a cool but sunny position[].
A very ornamental plant, it only successful outdoors in Britain in favoured localities[]. Grows well in Cornwall[]. Tender when young[], the shoot tips of mature plants can be damaged by hard frosts[].
A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[]. Untidy old stems on established plants can be pruned to the base in spring[].
Cultivated for its fruit in China and Japan[] ( does this refer to medicinal usage?). It does not fruit freely in Britain[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. No further details are given, but another report says that the fruit is poisonous[]. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[].
Young leaves - boiled[]. The water must be changed at least once during the cooking[].

Medicinal

The roots and stems are antitussive, astringent, febrifuge, stomachic and tonic[, ]. A decoction is used in the treatment of fever in influenza, acute bronchitis, whooping cough, indigestion, acute gastro-enteritis, tooth abscess, pain in the bones and muscles and traumatic injuries[]. It is especially useful in the treatment of children's coughs[]. There is a danger that an overdose can cause respiratory paralysis[].
A decoction of the leaves is tonic[].
The fruit is febrifuge and tonic[]. Another report says that it is toxic, so great care should be employed if using it[].
The root is antirheumatic[].
Young shoots contain high concentrations of laetrile - up to 20% on a zero moisture basis[].

Other Uses

Plants are used for hedging in warm temperate zones[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[]. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse. Germination is often poor[]. 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 10 - 15cm long, mid summer in a frame[]. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[] but very slow[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 10 - 15cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame[]. Plant out the following autumn[, ]. High percentage[] but very slow[].