Common Name: Arusha

General Information

Callicarpa candicans is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing up to 6 metres tall though usually much smaller[]. The bole on larger specimens can be up to 30cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its use locally in traditional medicine[]. It is cultivated as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its colourful fruits[].

Known Hazards

Parts of the plant are used as an arrow poison, whilst an extract of the leaves is used to poison fish[, ].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, western Pacific

Habitat

Mountain slopes along roadsides and in open waste places at elevations of 100 - 500 metres in southern China[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally require a sunny position or light dappled shade[, ]. Prefers a highly fertile well-drained loamy soil[, ].
Requires cross-pollination for good fruit production[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A slow-growing plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are depurative, emmenagogue[, ]. A decoction of the young leaves is drunk to relieve abdominal troubles and amenorrhoea[, ].
Externally, they are used for poulticing wounds and boils to prevent and reduce swelling[, ]. They are smoked to relieve asthma[, ]. The leaves are externally applied as a plaster for gastralgia[].

A decoction of the roots and leaves is prescribed to women after parturition to restore the appetite[].
Applied externally, a decoction of the leaves and root is employed as a wash for various skin conditions including eczema, scabies, psoriasis, ulcers and boils[, ].

A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of fevers and to remove hepatic obstruction[].
The decoction is also used as a wash to treat aphthae in the mouth[].

Other Uses

A fibre can be obtained from the plant, but it is rather weak[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a nursery seedbed and only just cover the seed[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 18°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10cm long in a frame. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth with a heel[, ].

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