Berchemia lineata

Berchemia lineata is a woody shrub in the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. Its range includes southern China, Taiwan, Japan and northern Vietnam. Useful Tropical Plants lists India with doubt. It grows on hills, beside roads and in open ground. Most records place it at low heights above sea level. In Japan, it also grows near the coast. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant can shed its leaves or keep some through winter. Its stems spread along the ground or lie partly raised. Useful Tropical Plants gives a height of about 5 feet [1.5 metres]. It notes that plants can reach 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Plants For A Future instead describes a climber reaching 13 feet [4 metres]. Both sources report stems that twine around supports. These accounts differ, so the taller figure needs caution. Useful Tropical Plants treats the related Berchemia edgeworthii as a separate species.

Plants For A Future gives July to August as the flowering season. Each flower has both male and female parts. The same source places seed ripening in November. However, Useful Tropical Plants warns that its fruit-use record concerns Berchemia edgeworthii. That record does not firmly establish edible use for this species. Both sources list no known hazards. This does not confirm safety for people or pets. The supplied accounts give no clear details of bark or leaf shape.

For garden soil, the sources favour moist loam with good drainage. Plants For A Future also lists sandy soil as suitable. The plant accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Full sun suits it where the soil stays moist. Light shade is the better choice where soil may dry. Reported cold tolerance falls between 14°F and 23°F, or −10°C and −5°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. Fences, wired walls and other shrubs can provide support. A lightly shaded woodland edge is another suggested setting.

Plants For A Future describes several ways to raise new plants. Sow seed in spring or autumn in a cold frame. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Summer cuttings, winter wood cuttings and winter root cuttings are further options. Young stems can also form roots through winter layering. The plant has a history of local medicinal use. Reported uses include fever, coughs and injuries; these are not proof of effective treatment.