Wild Rhea

Debregeasia longifolia

Physical Characteristics

Debregeasia longifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from October to February. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). 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). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[158, 177, 272]. The fruit is up to 12mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Parasiticide The juice of the leaves is applied to areas of the skin affected by scabies[272].

Known Hazards

None known