Lycium chinense aka Chinese Boxthorn

Lycium chinense typically reaches 1–2.5 metres tall with a spread of around 2 metres, though it can grow to 3 metres under good conditions. Growth rate is moderate. The arching, thorny branches often become pendulous with age.

Lycium chinense is cold-hardy to approximately -23°C and is rated USDA hardiness zones 5–9 (UK zone 6). Its optimal growing temperature range is 13–25°C, and it can tolerate temperatures up to 32°C. It tolerates maritime conditions well.

Flowers are small, lavender to light-purple, and appear in clusters of 1–3 in the leaf axils from June through August. After flowering, the plant produces bright orange-red, oval to oblong berries (7–15 mm long) that ripen from July to October.

In spring, prune out dead or damaged wood and thin crowded stems to improve airflow. The plant flowers on current-season growth through summer, producing fruit that ripens July–October. In autumn, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Being deciduous, it loses its leaves in winter; little to no care is needed during dormancy.

Lycium chinense is well suited for outdoor cultivation in USDA zones 5–9. It prefers full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor and maritime soils. The plant's extensive root system makes it useful for bank stabilisation, informal hedging, and windbreaks in coastal gardens. It is not suited to indoor cultivation.

Prune Lycium chinense in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The plant can be cut back hard to rejuvenate old specimens. Wear gloves when pruning, as branches are armed with sharp thorns.

Lycium chinense can be propagated by several methods: seeds sown in spring germinate readily; half-ripe cuttings (5–10 cm) taken in mid-summer root well; mature wood cuttings taken in autumn or winter also succeed; sucker division in late winter is considered very easy. Layering is also possible.

The main disease recorded for Lycium chinense is parasitism by the oomycete Peronospora lycii (a downy mildew). As a member of the Solanaceae, it may also be susceptible to typical nightshade-family pests such as aphids and spider mites, particularly under dry or stressed conditions.

The ripe orange-red berries are the most widely used edible part — sweet with a mild anise flavour, they can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked in soups and stews. Young leaves and shoots have a peppermint-like flavour and are eaten as a vegetable in China, being rich in vitamin A and protein. Seeds can be roasted as a coffee substitute and dried leaves brewed as tea. Only fully ripe fruit should be consumed; caution is warranted with leaves given the plant's membership in the Solanaceae family.

Lycium chinense has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for nearly 2,000 years. The fruit is a tonic used for improving vision, supporting kidney and liver function, and treating diabetes and vertigo. The root bark is used for tuberculosis, pneumonia, night sweats, cough, asthma, and hypertension. The fruit is rich in betaine, polysaccharides, carotenoids (zeaxanthin), and vitamins A, C, and E. Wikipedia notes there is no high-quality clinical evidence substantiating health claims.

Beyond food and medicine, Lycium chinense is planted as an informal hedge and windbreak, especially in maritime gardens. Its extensive, spreading root system is used for stabilising banks and preventing erosion. The seed oil can be used as a lubricant. Dense berry production provides significant wildlife value, attracting birds and other animals.

Lycium chinense produces lavender to light-purple flowers that are pollinated primarily by insects. The flowers appear in clusters in the leaf axils and produce the characteristic orange-red goji berries after successful pollination.

Lycium chinense is one of two species commonly known as "goji berry" — the other is Lycium barbarum. The two can be distinguished by flower morphology. ITIS recognises Lycium chinense var. chinense as the accepted variety. Lycium chinense var. ovatum is not accepted and is treated as a synonym.

Chinese Boxthorn presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Chinese Boxthorn’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan. Naturalized in Britain, especially by the sea.

Chinese Boxthorn should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Chinese Boxthorn loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Chinese Boxthorn thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Gou Qi.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.