Chinese Privet

Chinese Privet
A genus of about 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, which are widely distributed in Europe, N Africa, E and SE Asia and Australia. Ligustrum lucidum is similar in appearance to common privet (L. vulgare) but more attractive, making a fine specimen plant. It was first mentioned in a text that was probably written before CE1000. In recent years L. lucidum has been increasingly used to prevent bone marrow loss in cancer chemotherapy patients, and also has potential in the treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Chinese research has shown good results in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, and hepatitis. Ligustrum is the Latin word used by Pliny for privet, possibly derived from the Latin ligare, "to tie", referring to the use of the flexible twigs of cordage.

Small evergreen tree or shrub with glossy, dark green, ovate leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Tiny, creamy white, strongly scented flowers appear in panicles, to 20cm (8in) long, in late summer, followed by blue-black berries that ripen in winter.

Common Name:

Chinese Privet

Other Names:

Glossy Privet

Botanical Name:

Ligustrum lucidum

Genus:

Ligustrum

Family:

Oleaceae

Location:

China, Japan, Korea.

Cultivation:

Well-drained soil in sun or shade. Variegated cultivars are best in sun.

Propagation:

By seed sown in winter (species only); by semi-ripe cutting in summer, by hardwood cuttings in winter. Leaf spot may damage leaves.

Harvest:

Fruits are collected when ripe, and dried, then usually mixed with honey and steamed before further drying for use in decoctions, powders, and pills.

Warning:

Harmful if eaten

Height:

10m (3ft)

Width:

10m (3ft)

Variations:

Excelsum Superbum
Has yellow-edged, bright green leaves with pale green markings.

Tricolor
Has narrow leaves, variegated gray-green, with white margins, pink-flushed when young.

Hardiness:

Z7-10

Parts Used:

Berries

Properties:

A bitter, slightly sweet herb that acts as a tonic for the kidneys and liver. It has diuretic, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and possibly anti-viral effects.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for complaints associated with weak kidney and liver energy, such as menopausal problems, (especially premature menopause), blurred vision, cataracts, tinnitus, graying of hair, rheumatic pains, palpitations, backache, and insomnia.

Bibliography: