Lycium

Lycium is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It contains about 70 to 80 species, which are native to arid and semi-arid climates throughout the world.

Description

Lycium species are deciduous or evergreen shrubs. They are often thorny with small, often grey-green, leaves and solitary or clustered, tubular, bell or funnel-shaped flowers. The fruit is a two-chambered, often juicy, berry.

Distribution and habitat

Lycium species are native to arid and semi-arid climates throughout the world, with a concentration of species in the Mediterranean region, southern Africa, and the Americas. They are typically found in dry, well-drained soils in full sun.

Uses

Many Lycium species are used in traditional medicine, particularly in China where the fruit of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, known as goji or wolfberry, is a common herbal remedy and health food supplement. The berries are also used in cooking, particularly in soups and stews, and in the production of juices, wines, and liqueurs.

Cultivation

Lycium species are generally hardy and adaptable, able to tolerate poor soils and drought conditions. They are propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering, and are often grown as ornamental plants for their attractive flowers and fruit.

Species

There are about 70 to 80 species in the genus Lycium, including:

• Lycium barbarum – goji, wolfberry
• Lycium chinense – Chinese wolfberry
• Lycium ferocissimum – African boxthorn
• Lycium intricatum – Christmas berry
• Lycium pallidum – pale wolfberry

See also

• List of Lycium species
• Goji
• Wolfberry

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