Indicum Ligustrum (Ligustrum indicum)

Family: Oleaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ligustrum indicum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. — The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp gullies, wet oak forests, 1200 - 2700 metres from Uttar Pradesh to Bhutan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)