Black Goji Berry - Lycium ruthenicum - €10 per plant  

 . L. ruthenicum is a native of central Asia and an important medicinal plant, reportedly useful for a wide variety of medical conditions, including diabetes and kidney problems. The berries contain high levels of vitamins and can be eaten raw or cooked, although should only be eaten when fully ripe. A medium sized shrub, this plant would do well in a sunny position and as it can tolerate quite dry conditions and nutritionally poor soil, it makes an excellent choice for a dry and sunny spot in the garden where other plants would find it difficult to thrive. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: China and Central Asia
  • native habitat: Higher inner Himalayas, saline deserts and sands
  • family: Solanaceae

Predators

  • No serious disease or insect problems.

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
  • Can tolerate drought
  • Can tolerate maritime exposure
  • Can grow in saline soils

Overview

 
  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 2m. 
  • In flower from May - July and the seeds ripen from Oct to December. 
  • 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 and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • Prefers full sun
  • Prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized shrub
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: 

Products 

  • Fruit: Berriesstart out green, tuning purple  and then black when fully ripe.Can be eaten raw or cooked. Highly nutritious, they are rich in Vitamins A, C and E and include some essential fatty acids.
  • Flowers: Lilac in colour and funnel- shaped, they attract a good amount of insects, including bees.
  • Leaves: Small, greeny-grey in colour
  • Branches: Can develop thorns

Functions, behaviours

  • Flowering and fruiting better in a well-drained soil of average quality.
  • Extensive root systems. They can be planted to stabilize banks and sandy soils.​​
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project