Berchemia flavescens

Berchemia flavescens is a deciduous woody climber in the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. Its native range spans the central and eastern Himalaya to central China. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it inhabits damp, shaded woods and thickets. It also grows in forests on slopes across a broad mountain range.

This climber reaches about 16 feet [5 metres] in height. Its stems twine around supports as the plant climbs. It sheds its leaves rather than keeping them through winter. In gardens, fences and walls with wire supports offer suitable places to climb. It can also grow through other shrubs. Woodland edges and places with dappled shade suit its growing needs. These settings provide room for its climbing form without requiring a freestanding shape.

Flowers appear from June to August on the current season’s growth. Each flower has both male and female organs. The fruit has a narrow, sausage-like shape. It measures about 0.04 feet [0.012 metres] long. Fruit takes close to a year to ripen after flowering. The reported seed-ripening season runs from May to July. Fully ripe fruit can be eaten raw. Plants For A Future gives its edible value two out of five. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for pets.

Give this plant moist soil that drains well. A good loam is the preferred growing medium. It also tolerates sandy and clay soils. Suitable soil pH ranges from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Full sun suits it where the soil stays moist. Light shade is better where sun would dry the soil. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Its separate UK zone rating does not use the RHS H-scale.

Seed can be sown in spring or autumn in a cold frame. Young seedlings need individual pots and greenhouse shelter for their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Half-ripe cuttings can be taken in July or August. Mature current-season wood provides cuttings from November to January. Winter propagation options also include root cuttings and layering young stems. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal or other uses.