Pyracantha koidzumii
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Pyracantha genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Pyracantha
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 4 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
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.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit[4]. No more details are given. The fruit is about 7mm in diameter[6].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Taiwan.
- Habitat
- Rocky valley areas, seashores, thickets, among shrubs[7].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind
- Wind
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[6]. Remove all the fruit flesh since this can inhibit germination[6]. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, sow it as early in the year as possible in a cold frame[3]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid-August in a cold frame[8]. Pot up in October or the following spring[8].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a good well-drained, moisture retentive loamy soil[1][6]. Succeeds in any soil that is warm and not very heavy[2]. Another report says that it grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or part shade, though it does not fruit so well in a shady position[6]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure, though it requires protection from cold winds[6]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[6]. It succeeds outdoors at Kew[2]. Plants are susceptible to scab and fireblight[2], especially when they are grown on acid sandy soils[5]. Closely related to P. rogersiana[2]. There are a number of named forms selected for their ornamental value[6]. 'Santa Cruz', 'Rosedale' and 'Victory' all have fruits larger than the type species[6].
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
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
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
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00