Coriaria napalensis
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Coriariaceae
- Genus
- Coriaria
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 2.5 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
The seed is poisonous[1][7]. Although we have no more information, it is reasonable to assume that other parts of the plant are also toxic.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or used as a beverage[3][4][12]. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed, are very toxic[7]. Some reports suggest it is safer not to use the fruit at all[2]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[9].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of stomach aches[12]. Some cauion is advised - see notes above on toxicity[K].
- Product or use
- Stomachic
Material uses
The wood contains a considerable quantity of tannin[4][12]. The leaves contain 20% tannin[11]. The branches are used for making baskets[12]. Wood - hard, beautifully marked, takes a good polish. Used for picture frames and other small articles[4][5].
- Product or use
- Dye
- Product or use
- Ink
- Product or use
- Tannin
- Product or use
- Wood
- Product or use
- Basketry
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to S.W. China.
- Habitat
- Forests and shrubberies, mainly on the outskirts of the forests, 1000 - 2700 metres[13]. Plants are found at elevations up to 3300 metres in Sikkim[4].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow February/March in a greenhouse[14]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[6]. 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[14].
Cultivation
Prefers a fairly good loamy soil in a sheltered position in full sun or light shade[2][6][9]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c[9]. According to one report plants succeed at Kew but are frequently cut to the ground in severe winters though they resprout from the base[2][9]. This new growth does not flower in its first year[8]. 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[10]. 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
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1976-00-00
Gamble. J. S. A Manual of Indian Timbers. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1972-00-00
Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 1945-00-00
Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6
Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00