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Herbs & Plants

Garrya fremonti

Botanical Name: Garrya fremonti
Family: Garryaceae
Genus: Garrya
Species: G. fremontii
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Garryales

Synonyms: Skunk Bush. Californian Feverbush.

Common Names: Bearbrush, and Frémont’s silktassel.

Habitat:  Garrya fremonti is native to the West coast of the United States, from Washington to California. It can be found in a number of habitats, from mountain forest to woodlands and chaparral canyons and slopes.
Description:
Garrya fremonti is a dioecious plant with male and female plants producing long, hanging clusters of yellowish to pinkish flowers.It reaches a maximum height of three to four meters. The leaves are oval-shaped, 2 to 12 centimeters long and about half as wide, and smooth green, rarely with hairs on the undersides.The fruit is a spherical berry, starting green and turning pink and then purple. The fruit is eaten by birds and mammals, who disperse the seeds. The plant can also sprout from its root crown. Like many other chaparral species, it is quick to recover from wildfire……….CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation:
Prefers a sunny position succeeding in most well-drained fertile soils. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Succeeds in light shade, the plants are also tolerant of quite deep shade. Does not require a rich soil or abundant moisture, if the soil is too fertile the flowering will be delayed. Resistant to urban pollution and maritime exposure but are subject to wind scorch from cold drying winds in colder areas. Hardy to about -15°c, it is best on a sunny wall in most parts of the country but does very well as a free standing shrub in Devon and Cornwall. In cold winters and springs the previous year’s leaves may fall before the new leaves are produced. The plant strongly resents root disturbance and should be placed in its permanent position as soon as possible. The plant flowers on wood produced the previous summer. All pruning should be carried out in spring before new growth starts but after flowering has ended. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Very slow, the seed can take 2 or more years to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10cm with a heel, August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood 10 – 12 cm with a heel, December/January in a frame

Part Used in medicines: Leaves

Medicinal Uses: The leaves are intensely bitter, and are largely used in California as an antiperiodic and tonic. A new alkaloid has been found in it called garryine. It is best administered as a fluid extract.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrya_fremontii
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/feverb09.html
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Garrya+fremontii

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