Pale Wolfberry, Pale desert-thorn, Rabbit thorn

Lycium pallidum

Physical Characteristics

Lycium pallidum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to August. 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 dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Central and Southern N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[[46, 61, 85, 183, 257]. The fruit keeps well when dried and ground into a meal[183]. The fruit should be perfectly ripe if it is eaten raw[95]. The Hopi Indians boiled the fruit, drained off the water and ground the fruit into a mush. Clay was then mixed with water until a thick consistency was achieved, this was mixed with the berries and the whole lot eaten[216]. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Cancer Odontalgic The ground up root has been placed in a tooth cavity to bring relief from toothache[257]. The bark and the dried berries have been used as a 'life medicine'[257]. 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.