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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Coriaria napalensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or used as a beverage[145, 146, 272]. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed, are very toxic[177]. Some reports suggest it is safer not to use the fruit at all[11]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Stomachic

The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of stomach aches[272]. Some cauion is advised - see notes above on toxicity[K].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Basketry Dye Ink Tannin Wood

The wood contains a considerable quantity of tannin[146, 272]. The leaves contain 20% tannin[240]. The branches are used for making baskets[272]. Wood - hard, beautifully marked, takes a good polish. Used for picture frames and other small articles[146, 158].

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a fairly good loamy soil in a sheltered position in full sun or light shade[11, 164, 200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c[200]. According to one report plants succeed at Kew but are frequently cut to the ground in severe winters though they resprout from the base[11, 200]. This new growth does not flower in its first year[182]. However, a medium-size tree seen at Kew in 1990 seemed to have survived many winters without untoward damage[K]. The roots of plants in this genus bear nitrogen-fixing nodules[218]. Whilst much of the nitrogen will be utilized by the growing plant, some of it will become available for other plants growing nearby[K].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - sow February/March in a greenhouse[78]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[164]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Coriaria microphylla		Shrub	1.2	7-10	LMH	SN	M	0	1	3
Coriaria myrtifolia	Redoul	Shrub	1.8	7-10	LMH	SN	M	0	0	3
Coriaria ruscifolia		Shrub	1.0	7-10	LMH	N	M	2	0	2
Coriaria sarmentosa	Tuhu	Shrub	1.0	7-10	LMH	N	M	2	0	2
Coriaria sinica		Shrub	5.0	7-10	LMH	SN	M	2	1
Coriaria terminalis		Shrub	1.2	7-10	LMH	SN	M	2	0
Rhus coriaria	Elm-Leaved Sumach, Sicilian sumac	Shrub	3.0	8-11	LMH	N	DM	2	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Coriaria napalensis - Wall.