Leycesteria formosa, commonly known as Himalayan honeysuckle or pheasant berry, is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub native to the Himalayas and southwestern China. It's often cultivated for its unique ornamental qualities and edible berries. The plant's hollow stems and distinctive flowers, which are followed by edible berries, have made it popular in gardens, but it is also considered an invasive weed in some parts of the world, like Australia.
Herb's Introduction
Leycesteria formosa is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family, which also includes true honeysuckles. The plant is prized for its long flowering period, which lasts from summer to autumn, and its unique appearance. Its vigorous growth and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions make it a robust addition to many gardens. The genus name, Leycesteria, honors William Leycester, a chief justice in Bengal around 1820, while the species name, formosa, is Latin for "beautiful" or "handsome."
Names in Different Countries
This plant goes by several names reflecting its appearance, use, and origin:
English: Himalayan Honeysuckle, Pheasant Berry, Partridge Berry, Elisha's Tears, Flowering Nutmeg, Treacle Bush.
Welsh: Bachgen Llwm
Bulgarian: Лейцестерия формоза (Leytsteriya formoza)
Chinese: 鬼吹箫 (Guǐ chuī xiāo), which translates to "ghost flute," a name derived from the hollow stems that can be used to make whistles.
German: Karamelbeere (Caramel berry)
Nepalese: Nulkuroo
Terminology
Caprifoliaceae: The family of flowering plants to which Leycesteria formosa belongs.
Deciduous: A plant that sheds its leaves annually, typically in the autumn.
Shrub: A woody plant that is smaller than a tree and has multiple stems from the base.
Racemes: A type of flower cluster where the individual flowers are attached to a central stalk by short stems, creating a drooping, pendulous appearance.
Bracts: Modified leaves that are often colorful and associated with the flower. In this plant, the deep red-purple bracts are more prominent than the small white flowers themselves.
Availability
Himalayan honeysuckle is widely available at nurseries and garden centers, especially in temperate regions. It's often sold as an ornamental shrub for use in gardens, borders, and woodland areas. However, because it can be an invasive species in certain climates, its sale and cultivation are restricted in some areas, such as parts of Australia and New Zealand.
External Look
The plant has several distinct features:
Stems: It has hollow, upright, and arching stems that are often a bluish-green or powdery gray color.
Leaves: The leaves are spade-shaped, opposite, and a deep green color. They can grow up to 7 inches long and are pointed at the end.
Flowers: The flowers are small, white, and trumpet-shaped. They hang in drooping clusters from the stems, enclosed by prominent, showy, deep red-purple bracts. The overall look of the flower clusters resembles earrings or shrimp.
Fruit: The flowers are followed by small, fleshy berries that are initially green, then ripen to a dark purple or black color. The berries are about 1cm in diameter.
Healing Properties
In traditional Chinese medicine, Leycesteria formosa is known as "Ghost Flute" or "Yi Yao" and has been used for centuries. Its traditional uses include:
Pain Relief: Used to treat arthritic pain.
Blood Circulation: Believed to promote blood circulation.
Anti-inflammatory: Used to reduce inflammation.
Other ailments: Used to treat conditions like irregular menstruation, cystitis, asthma, and to stop bleeding.
Modern research is ongoing, but initial studies have suggested that the plant may possess anti-diabetic, cardio- and neuroprotective, and anticancer properties. The berries are also notably high in Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Advantages
Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's long-lasting, unique flowers and berries make it a striking ornamental feature in any garden.
Low Maintenance: Himalayan honeysuckle is hardy and easy to grow, tolerating a variety of soil conditions and requiring minimal pruning.
Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, while the berries are a favorite food source for birds, especially pheasants, which is how it got its common name.
Environmental Benefits: The plant's robust root system helps with soil erosion control, and like other plants, it contributes to carbon sequestration.
Versatility: It can be used as a specimen plant, in shrub borders, or as a hedge. The hollow stems can also be used to make whistles.
Uses
Gardening: Primarily used as an ornamental shrub in cottage and wildlife gardens, providing structure and color.
Edible: The ripe berries have a sweet, caramel- or toffee-like flavor, sometimes with a bitter aftertaste. They can be eaten fresh, or used in jams, jellies, and sauces. Note that unripe berries are bitter.
Traditional Medicine: As mentioned, it has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Himalayan medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Crafts: The hollow stems can be used to make whistles, a use that gives it its Chinese name.
Using It
In the Garden: Plant it in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. It's generally pest-free and can be pruned back hard in early spring to encourage new growth and a bushier habit.
For Food: To eat the berries, wait until they are fully ripe and soft, turning a deep purple-black color. They are very delicate and can burst easily, so they are best eaten right off the plant. They can also be frozen and used later in recipes.
For Medicine: Traditional use of the plant involves various preparations from the roots, leaves, and berries. However, it's crucial to consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional before using any part of the plant for medicinal purposes, as the information on this is largely based on traditional practices and not extensively studied in modern Western medicine.
Conclusion
Leycesteria formosa is a versatile and beautiful plant with a dual identity: a cherished ornamental shrub in gardens and a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine. Its unique appearance, low maintenance, and benefits to local wildlife make it a popular choice for gardeners. While its use as an edible and medicinal plant is well-documented in its native regions, it's important to approach these uses with caution and awareness, particularly regarding potential invasiveness in non-native habitats.
