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Summary
Lycium species
Boxthorns have adapted to hot, dry conditions and drought tolerance and are often found in dry, desert-like environments. Goji (L. barbarum) has ripe, nutrient-rich berries eaten raw or cooked and has a mild, sweet liquorice flavour. Young shoots are cooked and used mainly as a flavouring or lightly cooked as a vegetable, with a flavour similar to cress or peppermint. Chinese Boxthorn (L. chinense) has similar uses to Goji. With a sweet, aniseed-like flavour, ripe fruit is eaten raw, cooked in soups or dried for later use. African Boxthorn (L. ferocissimum) berries, leaves, stems and roots are toxic to humans. They are highly resilient to heat and drought and are used as hedges or ornamental plants. It is invasive in some regions. European Boxthorn (L. europaeum) grows in rocky and sandy soils, thriving in drought conditions. They are grown for hedging and erosion control. It has edible berries eaten ripe. Desert Thorn's (L. andersonii) native range is from New Mexico to the NW. Mexico, where it grows in desert or dry shrubland. The berries are edible, but other species are preferred. It is used in xeriscaping and for erosion control in dry landscapes.
Harvesting: Late summer to early autumn when the berries are fully ripe and have turned bright red.
Physical Characteristics
Lycium europaeum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
L. intricatum. Boiss.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw or cooked[177]. The fruit is a berry about 8mm in diameter[200]. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten[K]. Young shoots - cooked[177].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cancer
The fruit of many members of this genus is 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, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Soil stabilization
Due to its dense growth, Goji can be used in agroforestry systems as a hedgerow or windbreak. It also contributes to soil health and attracts beneficial insects. Plants have an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize banks[200]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Lycium species produce flowers that are rich in nectar and attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The fruit (Goji berries) is consumed by birds and small mammals. The plant’s dense, thorny structure provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – The thorny branches can offer overwintering shelter for insects and invertebrates, and the leaf litter adds to groundcover, supporting beneficial organisms.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – Lycium species are not typically known for emitting strong scents that would confuse or repel pests.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
An easily grown plant, it does not require a rich soil, flowering and fruiting better in a well-drained soil of moderate quality[1, 11, 200]. Succeeds in impoverished soils[200]. Requires a sunny position[200]. Tolerates maritime exposure[200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c and succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country[200]. There is much confusion between this species and the closely related L. barbarum and L. chinense. Most, if not all, of the plants being grown as L. europaeum in Britain are in fact L.barbarum[11, 50, 200]. Many botanists unite the three species under the name L. barbarum, though they are distinct[200]. Goji berries are usually harvested in late summer to early autumn when the berries are fully ripe and have turned bright red.
Lycium species generally flower in late spring to early summer producing small, tubular flowers that can be purple or white.
Lycium species are moderately fast-growing plants, often reaching a height of about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) within a couple of years, depending on growing conditions. Many Lycium species, including Goji berries, are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit from their own flowers.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually good and fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the shoot tips of the young plants in order to encourage bushy growth[78]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel if possible, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, autumn to late winter in a cold frame. High percentage[78, 200]. Division of suckers in late winter. Very easy, the suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. Layering.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Ad-gorad, Aushaz, Ekabekebeke, Engokia, Fub, Fursaa, Fursh, Kihomolwa, Kokonida, Lgherdeq, Lokei, Ol-okii, Pkata,
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Egypt (Sinai), Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey EUROPE: Slovakia, Albania, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Serbia, Spain (incl. Baleares), France, Portugal AFRICA: Portugal (Madeira Islands), Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
1150200
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