Herb: Chilean Bellflower


Latin name: Lapageria rosea


Family: Philesiaceae



Edible parts of Chilean Bellflower:

Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweet white juicy pulp, the yellow fruits are the size of a hen's egg.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Climber

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Flowering:
July to
December

Habitat of the herb:

Shady woodlands, usually near the coast because it likes a humid atmosphere, between latitude 34 and 41°south.

Propagation of Chilean Bellflower:

Seed - it is best to sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot as soon as the seed is ripe, in a humus-rich sandy soil in a warm greenhouse. It usually germinates within 6 weeks at 20°C. The flesh of the fruit might contain germination inhibitors and should be completely removed before the seed is sown. The stored seed will require stratification. Pre-soak for 3 days in warm water, changing the water 3 - 5 times a day, then stratify for 1 - 3 months at 4°C. Stored seed germinates within 1 - 3 months at 22°C. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plant in each pot and grow on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse before planting out in early summer. Give the plants some protection for their first winter outdoors. Layering in spring before new growth begins or in autumn. It is best done in individual pots because the roots are very brittle. It takes about 12 months. Leaf bud cuttings.

Cultivation of the herb:

Shady woodlands, usually near the coast because it likes a humid atmosphere, between latitude 34 and 41°south.

Medicinal use of Chilean Bellflower:

None known

Known hazards of Lapageria rosea:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.