Goji Berry - Lycium barbarum - €9 per plant

There is almost hysterical hype surrounding this humble plant.  Reports include life extending capabilities, anti-depressant and anti-bacterial properties, fruits packed full of essential nutrients and protection against eye disease.  Not bad for a European native that can grow in the poorest soils in the most exposed sites with next to no water. Thus it makes a great hedging plant and suitable for windbreaks, but if you want to get a decent yield of the delicious fruit,  Lycium barbarum needs just a little more care.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Europe and Asia 
  • native habitat:
  • family: Solanaceae

Predators

  • If grown in the open the berries are vulnerable to bird predation 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6b - 9b 
  • For good fruiting plant in fertile soil and water well in the summer 

Known hazards

  • Although no records of toxicity have been seen, some caution should be exercised with this species, particularly with regard to its edible leaves, since it belongs to a family that often contains toxins. However, use of the leaves is well documented and fairly widespread in some areas. The unripe fruit might also be suspect though the ripe fruit is wholesome.

Overview

  • Multi stemmed Bush - 40 -50 cm high 
  • A deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m  by 4 m  at a medium rate.
  • It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  • It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized shrub
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: multi stemmed
  • height x width (m): 2.5 x 4
  • years to bearing fruit: 1 years  
  • productive life span: 10-15 years 

Products 

  • Fruit: The fruit is a berry about 2cm in diameter. A mild sweet liquorice flavour. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten. Reported to yield 1KG of fruit in the second year.
  • Yield:
  • Medicinal: 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.
  • Suitable for Windbreak/Shelter belt or hedge

Functions, behaviours

  • Plants have an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize sandy banks.
  • Plants produce suckers freely and can become invasive when in a suitable position.
  • Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can regrow from old wood
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project