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Uses

Toxic parts

The fruit is mildly toxic[1]. Although no other reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, it is quite probable that other parts of the plant also contain toxins[2].

Edible uses

Notes

Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails[3]. The shoots contain a glycoside and are probably toxic[K].

Leaves

Material uses

A commercial insect wax is produced on the branches as a result of eggs being laid by insects[4]. Another report says that the wax is produced by the plant due to the stimulation of the feeding insects[5]. Yet another report says that the wax is produced by the insects[6]. It is used for candles and as a polish for earthenware pots, book edges etc[6]. The plant can be used as a hedge[4]. It is very amenable to trimming.

Unknown part

Wax

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Chinese privet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1,000 years[1]. The fruit is antibacterial, antiseptic, antitumour, cardiotonic, diuretic and tonic[7][8][6][1]. It is taken internally in the treatment of complaints associated with weak kidney and liver energy such as menopausal problems (especially premature menopause), blurred vision, cataracts, tinnitus, rheumatic pains, palpitations, backache and insomnia[7][1]. Modern research has shown that the plant increases the white blood cell count and is of value when used to prevent bone marrow loss in cancer chemotherapy patients[8][6][1], it also has potential in the treatment of AIDS[1]. Extracts of the plant show antitumour activity[9]. Good results have also been achieved when the fruit has been used in treating respiratory tract infections, hypertension, Parkinson's disease and hepatitis[1].

The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use[1]. It is often decocted with other herbs in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments and also as a general tonic[9]. Some caution is advised in their use, since the fruits are toxic when eaten in quantity[1]. The leaves are anodyne, diaphoretic, febrifuge, pectoral and vulnerary[9].

The bark of the stems is diaphoretic[9].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame[10]. 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, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy[11].

Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in November/December. High percentage[11].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Ligustrum lucidum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged[4][12]. Dislikes strongly alkaline soils[13]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun and also in deep shade[13]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[14][4].

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[13]. A moderately fast-growing plant[13]. It is very tolerant of trimming and will regrow even from very old stems if it is cut back hard[13]. A very ornamental plant[14], there are some named varieties[13]. The variegated cultivars are best grown in full sun[1]. This plant is a symbol of chastity in China[6]. Closely related to L. japonicum[15].

This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Ligustrum lucidum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Ligustrum lucidum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Ligustrum lucidum
Genus
Ligustrum
Family
Oleaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    10 x 3 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    References

    1. ? 1.001.011.021.031.041.051.061.071.081.091.10 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    2. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre (1977-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    8. ? 8.08.18.2 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    10. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
    12. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.413.5 Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. ISBN 0-670-82929-3 (1990-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    16. ? Wilson. E. H. Plantae Wilsonae. ()

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