Description
Adoxaceae (family name)
Forage for Pollinators: Produces Nectar for Honeybees (though a minor source) and Short-tongued Bumblebees, Solitary bees, Flies and Beetles.
Flowering time: June, July.
Growing information: NATIVE DECIDUOUS SHRUB growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft). Prefers moist, loamy soil, but can grow in light, sandy soil within grasslands or hedgerows, and can grow in full sun or semi-shade. Clusters of white flowers in summer are followed by red translucent fruit which ripens from september, with maple-like leaves colouring red shades in autumn. The fruit is edible, though sour, and is best cooked. Traditionally the medicinal bark is used as a powerful antispasmodic and is much used in the treatment of asthma, cramps, menstrual cramps and threatened miscarriage, also as a sedative remedy for nervous conditions or debility. It contains ‘scopoletin’, a coumarin which has a sedative affect.
