Masuri Berry

Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit | Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or used as a beverage[145, 146, 272]. Use with great caution since most parts of the plant, including the seed, are very toxic[177]. Some reports suggest it is safer not to use the fruit at all[11]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200].

Cultivation

Prefers a fairly good loamy soil in a sheltered position in full sun or light shade[11, 164, 200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c[200]. According to one report plants succeed at Kew but are frequently cut to the ground in severe winters though they resprout from the base[11, 200]. This new growth does not flower in its first year[182]. However, a medium-size tree seen at Kew in 1990 seemed to have survived many winters without untoward damage[K]. 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, 177]. Although we have no more information, it is reasonable to assume that other parts of the plant are also toxic.

Habitats

Forests and shrubberies, mainly on the outskirts of the forests, 1000 - 2700 metres[51]. Plants are found at elevations up to 3300 metres in Sikkim[146].