Christmas Berry, Carolina desert-thorn

Lycium carolinianum

Physical Characteristics

Lycium carolinianum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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 moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - S. Carolina to Florida and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. Rather pleasant eating, the fruit has a slightly salty taste[183]. The fruit is a berry up to 12mm in diameter[200]. 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.