The author of the text is dr inż. Szczepan Marczyński
Schisandra chinensis owes its popularity to the healing properties of fruit, leaves and bark, decorative qualities, ease of cultivation and high frost resistance.
Lemon is a climber with woody, twisting shoots.More than 20 species are known, but only two are found in Poland: Chinese lemongrass and lemongrass.Chinese lemongrass is most often grown, a valuable climber from China, Korea and Siberia, used as a plant decorative, healing and consumption.
It is decorated with elliptical or oval dark green leaves set on red petioles, covering brown shoots, reaching up to 3-10 meters (1 meter of annual growth). In autumn, bright red berries gathered in hanging ears look interesting.
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Citrine fruits contain vitamin E, schisandra and numerous microelements (Image: Fotolia.com) |
Fruits usually do not decorate shrubs for a long time, because after they are fully ripe, they are harvested for medicinal or food purposes.They contain vitamin E, schizandrin (a substance that tones and strengthens the body), easily digestible microelements: iron, copper, manganese, nickel, molybdenum, titanium and zinc, large amounts of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. The fruit can be eaten raw or processed, in the form of dried fruits, juices, extracts, infusions, tinctures.
Schizandra and other healing substances also contain leaves, seeds and bark.You can brew "tea" from the dried leaves, with a taste reminiscent of green tea with lemon, toning the nervous and respiratory systems and strengthening.A similar, or even stronger effect is that of "tea" from dried fruit.
Schizandra preparations are used in the case of physical and mental fatigue, drowsiness, exhaustion, depression, anemia, diseases of the lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract, poor visual acuity. They increase vitality, resistance to stress, and in some countries are considered an aphrodisiac. In China, lemongrass is called the five-flavor fruit because the fruit's covering is sweet, the flesh is sour, the seeds are bitter and tart, and the seed extracts acquire a s alty taste.
Perfect conditions for breeding citrus
Chinese Citrus is a dioecious but monoecious plant, which means that there are both male and female flowers on one plant. The flowers are small, white, cream or pink, they develop in late May and early June. The fruits ripen from mid-August to mid-September.
Chinese lemon is a frost-resistant plant, after hardening it can withstand frosts down to -40ºC.It can be grown near fences, building walls, pergolas and special T-shaped supports, similar to actinidias.Requires fertile, moist, but not waterlogged soils. It grows best in the sun. It can be planted throughout the growing season. Downwards 50x50x50 centimeters, with drainage at the bottom, strong filling of the bottom of the pit, well-distributed manure, 5 centimeters deeper than it was growing so far.
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One plant can produce up to 5 kilograms of fruit (Image: Fotolia.com) |
For the first 2-3 years after planting, it is best to let it grow freely, then select the strongest shoots and tie them to supports to keep them growing vertically upwards.Annually In early spring, before the beginning of vegetation, the bushes are trimmed to remove weak and diseased shoots, and last year's side shoots are shortened above 12-15 well-developed buds.
You have to remember about regular and abundant watering, because lemongrass does not tolerate drought. From the second year after planting, the plants should be fertilized.Properly managed bushes should start fruiting 4-6 years after planting.One plant can yield up to 5 kilograms of fruit.
Alternative? Red flower lemon
Its close relative, Schisandra rubriflora, looks very interesting.It has dark red, small (about 2.5 centimeters in diameter), but eye-catching flowers, developing in April-May and hanging individually on long stalks from the leaf axils. The flowers are most often dioecious. The fruits are dark red, the size of a pea, gathered in hanging, elongated ears. Oval, green leaves, approx. 6 centimeters long. Young shoots are red and twine around the supports. It grows up to 3-4 meters (1 meter per year).
It grows best in southern or western positions. Requires fertile, moist, but not wet soils.It can freeze in harsh winters. Particularly useful for planting in sheltered places, against house walls and near paths.Should be viewed closely during flowering to fully appreciate the charm of its small flowers.
