Christmas Berry
Chironia baccifera
Also known as
Aambeibossie, Bitterbossie (Afr.)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
8a-11b
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1m |
20cm | Min | 20cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Christmas Berry
Christmas Berry Overview
The common name, Christmas berry comes from the attractive red berries that ripen at Christmas time. The Afrikaans name aambeibessie refers to its use as a remedy for piles. In nature the plants are usually found in dry, sandy soil or sand dunes, growing in the shade of other plants. In gardens this fast-growing, ornamental shrub looks stunning when planted in groups as a hedge, in rockeries or as a border along the front edge of a flowerbed. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape.
Common problems with Christmas Berry
Generally problem free.
How to harvest Christmas Berry
Harvest for medicinal when needed.
How to propagate Christmas Berry
Seed
Sow seed in spring in a tray filled three quarters with soil, lightly compacted and cover with a thin layer of soil, water well. Treat seedlings with a liquid fertilizer.
Special features of Christmas Berry
Pot plant
Other uses of Christmas Berry
Medicinal
The Botanical name is from the Chiron, the Greek god studying medicine and arts. Tinctures and infusions is used in traditinal Khoi treatment of ulchers, piles and diabetes. It cures infections like bladder, kidney and artritis.
