Solanaceae FAMILY
Lycium barbarum
Lycium barbarum
Edibility
4/5
Medicinal
3/5
Safety & Hazards
Although no records of toxicity have been seen, some caution should be exercised with this species, particularly with regard to its edible leaves, since it belongs to a family that often contains toxins. However, use of the leaves is well documented and fairly widespread in some areas. The unripe fruit might also be suspect though the ripe fruit is wholesome.
Botanical Description
Lycium barbarum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2.50 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.
Habitat & Origin
Origintemperate
Native RangeOriginal habitat is obscure but probably S.E. Europe to S.W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain.
HabitatHedges, on walls and waste ground[ 17 Title Flora of the British Isles. Publication Author Clapham, Tutin and Warburg. Publisher Cambridge University Press Year 1962 ISBN - Description A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures. ].