Celastrus dependens

Physical Characteristics

Celastrus dependens is a deciduous Climber. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - S.W. China to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Oil Edible Uses: Oil The young flowers are used as a vegetable[183].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Analgesic Antidote Aphrodisiac Bitter Cancer Diaphoretic Emetic Emmenagogue Laxative Leprosy Stimulant Tonic The plant is used as an antidote to opium[218]. It is also considered to be analgesic, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic[218]. The bark is abortifacient[240]. The juice from the bark is used in the treatment of indigestion[272]. The seed is aphrodisiac, bitter, emetic, laxative and stimulant[240]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, leprosy, gout, fevers and paralysis[240, 272]. The oil from the seed is a powerful stimulant. It is used in the treatment of beriberi[240]. Many plants in this genus contain compounds of interest for their antitumour activity[218].

Known Hazards

None known