Wolfberry, Water jacket

Lycium andersonii

Physical Characteristics

Lycium andersonii is a deciduous Shrub at a medium rate. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[61, 177]. It can also be dried and used whole as a flavouring in soups or ground into a powder and used as a mush or mixed with cereal flours[161, 257]. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten[K].

Medicinal Uses

Cancer The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, it does belong to a family that contains many poisonous plants. Some caution should be applied, especially towards leaves or unripe fruits, though ripe fruits are almost certainly edible.