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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Lycium afrum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Whilst the ripe fruit is probably wholesome, some caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity. The fruit is a berry 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.
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].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge Soil stabilization

Plants are used as a hedge, forming a thorny and impenetrable barrier[1, 200]. This species is probably too tender in Britain for this use[K]. Plants have an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize banks[200].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils[11]. It does not require a rich soil, flowering and fruiting better in a well-drained soil of moderate quality[11]. It succeeds in impoverished soils[200]. Requires a sunny position[200]. Tolerates maritime exposure[200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates short-lived frosts down to about -5°[200]. It requires the protection of a sunny wall if it is to flower and fruit in Britain[11, 182]. A very spiny plant[1]. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[219].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually good and fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the shoot tips of the young plants in order to encourage bushy growth[78]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel if possible, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, autumn to late winter in a cold frame. High percentage[78, 200]. Division of suckers in late winter. Very easy, the suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AFRICA: South Africa (Cape Province)

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	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Berberis lycium		Shrub	3.0	5-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	3	3	1
Lycium andersonii	Wolfberry, Water jacket	Shrub	0.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	1	2	2
Lycium arabicum		Shrub	0.0	-		LMH	N	M	1	2	2
Lycium australe		Shrub	1.0	-		LMH	N	DM	1	2	2
Lycium barbarum	Goji, Box Thorn, Matrimony vine	Shrub	2.5	6-9	M	LMH	SN	M	4	3	3
Lycium berlandieri	Berlandier's wolfberry	Shrub	0.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	1	2	2
Lycium carolinianum	Christmas Berry, Carolina desert-thorn	Shrub	1.5	7-10		LMH	N	M	3	2	3
Lycium chinense	Chinese Boxthorn, Chinese desert-thorn	Shrub	2.5	5-9	M	LMH	N	M	4	3	3
Lycium europaeum	European tea-tree, Box thorn,	Shrub	4.0	8-11		LMH	N	M	3	2	3
Lycium fremontii	Desert Thorn, Fremont's desert-thorn	Shrub	3.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	1	2	2
Lycium pallidum	Pale Wolfberry, Pale desert-thorn, Rabbit thorn	Shrub	1.8	5-9		LMH	N	DM	3	2	3
Lycium ruthenicum		Shrub	2.0	5-9		LMH	N	DM	3	2	3
Lycium schweinfurthii		Shrub	2.0	-		LMH	N	DM	2	2	2
Lycium torreyi	Squawthorn, Torrey wolfberry	Shrub	3.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	2	2	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.

Lycium afrum - L.