Practical
Plants

Berberidopsis corallina

Coral Plant

an evergreen member of the Berberidopsis genus in the family Flacourtiaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
evergreen
Growth rate
moderate
Height
5 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The stems are quite flexible and are used in basket-making[3].

Product or use
Basketry

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
S. America - Chile.
Habitat
Deep, moist ravines in woodlands within the coastal belt[1][2]. This species is quite possibly extinct in the wild[1].
Light
partial sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown in a warm greenhouse in early spring. The seed can take 12 months or more to germinate and there is usually a poor germination rate[3]. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frost. Consider giving the plant some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[2]. Layering.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a deep, moist, humus-rich soil and a position where it is sheltered from drying winds and strong sunlight[1][2]. This species will tolerate a slightly alkaline soil if peat or some other acid medium is added, but it is not really suited to chalky soils[1]. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain[1], tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c so long as this is not for prolonged periods[2]. It succeeds in the more westerly areas of the country, but in general needs the protection of a wall and will succeed on a south-facing wall so long as it is protected from winds from that quarter[1]. If the top-growth is cut back by winter cold, the plant can re-sprout from the rootstock[2]. A climbing plant, growing up through trees and shrubs and supporting itself by twining around them[2]. The plant usually forms fruit in Britain, but the seed is seldom fertile[1].

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  2. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  3. Knees. S. The New Plantsman. Volume 4. Royal Horticultural Society, London 1997-00-00 ISBN 1352-4186

    ↩1↩2

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