GOJI PLANTS grown in AUSTRALIA
The consumption of the berries nourishes the body and supports the healing process. We eat the berries on a daily basis as a general tonic for the kidneys, liver and spleen.
There seems to be an enormous amount of misinformation circulating regarding the nutritional and healing properties of the berries and there is also some confusion as to the geographical origins of the plants.
We have completed 'BRIX' readings on our fresh fruit and can confirm that the fruit is consistently at least 36 on the scale. By way of comparison, Cherries in excellent condition rate at 25.
The Chinese hold a strong belief that this fruit can significantly extend life.
The root bark, (from L.chinense only, not L.barbarum) as decoction, certainly aids respiratory ailments.
The dried berries are usually for sale in the health food stores as 'Goji', but that frequently means a combination of L.chinense and L.barbarum.
For all intents and purposes, regarding the fruit, they are identical.
CULTIVATION
They are long branched and slightly 'willowy' shrubs are great to have around the perimeter of the yard. They do require trimming a few times a year, but apart from that they are quite low maintenance.
We experience a very hot summer and an occasional frost in winter, which do not deter them at all. Plant in summer and unless the climate is unfair you will have some berries in the next. The Australian climate seems perfectly suited to these plants, which may or may not have come from the Tibetan plateau, but have certainly flourished in the Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, and Xinjiang Provinces in China from where 90% of the export market is sourced.
They also thrive to a great extent in Japan where they are used in traditional Kampo remedies.
If buying seed, sow anytime in a greenhouse or protected place.
Growing and germination tips are available with purchase.