Mock Strawberry (Duchesnea indica)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Duchesnea indica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tasteless, but it is not dry. — Certainly rather tasteless, but it is not dry.; A flavour somewhat like a water melon according to some people, but this is possibly the product of a strained imagination.The fruit contains about 3.4% sugar, 1.5% protein, 1.6% ash.; Vitamin C is 6.3mg per 100ml of juice.; The fruit is about 10mm in diameter with the appearance and texture of a strawberry but very little flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Shady places in woods, grassy slopes, ravines in low mountains, all over Japan. (Zone 5)