Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit | Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or used as a beverage[11]. As pleasant as bilberries[177]. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed[177], are probably very toxic and some reports suggest the fruit should not be used at all[11]. The roots are antirheumatic[218]. The plant is hallucinatory in small quantities[218].

Cultivation

Prefers a fairly good loamy soil in a sunny sheltered position[11, 164, 200]. Succeeds in light shade[200] This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c though it can resprout from the base if cut back by the cold[200]. This new growth does not flower in its first year[182]. The roots of plants in this genus bear nitrogen-fixing nodules[218]. Whilst much of the nitrogen will be utilized by the growing plant, some of it will become available for other plants growing nearby[K].

Known Hazards

The seed is poisonous[1, 11] and so are the leaves[218]. Although we have no more information, it is reasonable to assume that all other parts of the plant are also toxic.

Habitats

Grassy hills and river valleys to 1500 metres. Occasionally found at higher elevations in stony and arid areas[109].