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Ilex purpurea - Hassk.

Common Name
Family Aquifoliaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[274].
Habitats Evergreen broad-leaf forests, forest margins on mountain slopes at elevations of 500 - 1000 metres in China[266].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Ilex purpurea


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KENPEI
Ilex purpurea
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KENPEI

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Ilex purpurea is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

I. chinensis. Sims.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

None known

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.
Cancer  Carminative  Skin  Tonic

This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. It is reported to have antitumor properties[218]. An extract of the leaves is made into a solution and used for treating burns, ulcers in the lower extremities etc[218]. The ashes of the leaves are used as a dressing for skin ailments and poisoned wounds[218]. Seed is carminative and tonic[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

Our Latest books on Perennial Plants For Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens in paperback or digital formats.

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not water-logged[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. According to another report, the plant is only hardy to about -3°c[260]. Resents root disturbance, especially as the plants get older[11]. It is best to place the plants into their permanent positions as soon as possible, perhaps giving some winter protection for their first year or two[K]. Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if required[188]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[78, 80]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the following year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up. Layering in October. Takes 2 years[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Yunnan Sheng), Japan TROPICAL ASIA: Vietnam

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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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.

 

Expert comment

Author

Hassk.

Botanical References

200266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

lorna ballantyne   Wed Jul 7 11:00:05 2004

i think that the information could have a few pictures of the plant so that people know what the are looking at or looking for.

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Subject : Ilex purpurea  
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