Candy tree is an exotic deciduous plant native to China, Korea and Japan. Also found in the foothills of the Himalayas and at an altitude of up to 2 thousand meters. In botany, it is known as sweet govenia. Used in folk medicine of Eastern countries, landscape design and cooking.
Description of the candy tree
On average, the height of the plant is about 15 m. Govenia has a decorative appearance: a dense spherical crown and large glossy dark green leaves. The diameter of a straight cylindrical trunk with a smooth gray-brown bark reaches 80 cm. In July, clusters of white small flowers appear on the plant, which make it look like a linden. Young shoots have a reddish tint. The leaves are oval in shape. Five-petal flowers are characterized by the presence of a delicate aroma. Dry fruits grow at the ends of thick stalks. Sweet fragrant drupes can be eaten raw or dried. In both cases, their taste is reminiscent of sour raisins combined with cinnamon and cloves. The stalks are almost never from a treefall off and can hang on it until spring.
In addition to the territory of Eastern China, Japan and Korea, it is also found in the foothills of the Himalayas and at an altitude of up to 2 thousand m. The tree prefers moist sandy and loamy soil. Sweet govenia can be found among shrubs in subtropical forests. The candy tree, the photo of which is located below, is increasingly appearing in the collections of botanical gardens, including Crimean and Caucasian ones, as well as in parks and greenhouses.
Breeding process
The best month for sowing is March. Seeds should be placed in moderately moist soil no deeper than 0.5 cm and left to germinate at a constant temperature of 20-22 ° C. Usually this stage lasts about 10 days. Then the seedlings must be transplanted into individual pots with soil consisting of turf, leafy soil and sand. The candy tree is also propagated by semi-lignified cuttings, which take root in two to three weeks under constant warm air. The plant does not tolerate temperature changes, lack or excess moisture.
With careful care indoors, govenia can bloom year-round, but you should not expect sweet fruits from it. The plant needs an abundance of light. During the flowering period, the tree requires a large amount of boiled water, the temperature of which will be slightly warmer than room temperature. Sweet govenia leaves do not tolerate dry air. Before spraying, the flowers must be covered, because due to water they become covered with dark spots. Once a month, the tree is watered with a little water.citric acid or juice.
Chemical composition
Pedicles and fruits are used for medicinal purposes. The composition of the latter includes glucose, sucrose, fructose, potassium, ascorbic and malic acids. The stems on which the flowers grow are rich in:
- dihydroflavonol dihydromyricetin and structure identical to myricetin;
- govenitins;
- gallocatechin found in green tea;
- laricetrin;
- steroid saponins.
Procurement of raw materials
Stalks for medical and culinary purposes must be harvested at the time of the beginning of ripening (September and October). Over time, they become juicy and acquire an orange color with a slight yellowness. The composition of dried stalks contains approximately 45% sugars, fresh - about 25%. During the year, about 30 kg of "sweets" can be born on one tree. The extract of seeds and young shoots often serves as the basis of a honey substitute.
Application and reviews
Candy tree, according to scientific research involving people, is primarily an indispensable tool in the fight against alcohol intoxication and hangovers. An aqueous extract of the seeds and fruits of the plant within 30 minutes after consumption significantly reduces the negative effects of ethyl alcohol on the body, especially on the liver. Also, the decoction significantly reduces nausea and headache. Fruit juice, jam, vinegar and wine based on govenia stalks fully preserve medicinal properties.properties. Ascorbic acid, contained in fruits, is used for a weak immune system and the fight against chronic fatigue.
To date, the candy tree is not used in scientific medicine. The use of the fruits of the plant for food is contraindicated in children, lactating and pregnant women, as well as people with intolerance to the above components. In 2007, an American publication published the results of studies that demonstrated a therapeutic link between hepatitis C and fast food. The effect seen in infected mice was that the plant was able to minimize liver damage caused by the disease.
Inhabitants of Asian countries have long used the stalks for dizziness, nervous disorders, pneumonia, diseases of the gallbladder and kidneys. A decoction of the fruit helps in the treatment of spasms, convulsions, constipation and lowering high body temperature. A remedy based on the bark of a candy tree should be drunk for intestinal diseases. Old medical treatises (including the Compendium of Materia Medica) contain information that sweet fasting is able to get rid of alcohol addiction.
