Lycium schweinfurthii
Lycium schweinfurthii
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Pl. E23D — Lycium schweinfurthii
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IOverview
Overview
Lycium schweinfurthii, commonly known as African boxthorn, is a shrub belonging to the family Solanaceae. Native to regions including Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Libya, and Palestine, this plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay. It prefers dry to moist conditions and grows up to 2 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, Lycium schweinfurthii is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of this plant is its thorny branches, which provide an added layer of protection while adding visual interest in the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Lycium schweinfurthii?
Lycium schweinfurthii, commonly known as African boxthorn, is a shrub belonging to the family Solanaceae. Native to regions including Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Libya, and Palestine, this plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay.
What is Lycium schweinfurthii used for?
Traditionally used for mood support, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Lycium schweinfurthii
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Lycium schweinfurthii appears in herbal sources around emotional well-being traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Lycium schweinfurthii, like other Lycium species, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function. Its fruit is often consumed as a tea or decoction.
The mechanism by which Lycium supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve polysaccharides and antioxidants that modulate immune responses.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Lycium schweinfurthii support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lycium schweinfurthii thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions but requires consistent moisture during fruiting. The plant grows up to 2 meters tall and produces edible fruits. Hardy in temperate regions, it can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Lycium schweinfurthii for the first time
8steps
Start with Lycium schweinfurthii by planting it in a sunny spot and providing well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seeds, a pot if container gardening, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Lycium schweinfurthii in spring when the weather is warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants directly into the garden or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging, and keep the soil moist but not wet.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without drainage, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Lycium schweinfurthii is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip the specific preparation methods as details are not provided.
Other uses:Erosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 10 native
Europe3 regions
native (3)CyprusGreeceItaly
Asia1 region
native (1)Palestine
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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