Magnolia-vine (Schisandra chinensis, “Hist. pl. 1:148. 1868 “”Schizandra“””)

Family: Schisandraceae

Author: Baill. (Turcz.)

Bibliography: “Hist. pl. 1:148. 1868 “”Schizandra“””

Year: 1868

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Schisandra

Vegetable: False

Observations: Russian Far East to N. China and C. Japan

Description

The Magnolia-vine, scientifically known as Schisandra chinensis, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Schisandraceae family. First referenced in historical botanical literature with the name Schizandra in 1868, as noted in the work “Hist. pl. 1:148,” this species was authored by Baill. (Turcz.).

This vigorous vine is a native to the Russian Far East, stretching through Northern China and reaching into Central Japan. Its ability to thrive across these diverse regions speaks to its adaptability and resilience in various climatic conditions. Schisandra chinensis is celebrated not only for its ornamental value but also for its numerous medicinal properties. Its vibrant red berries, often referred to as “five-flavor fruit” due to their unique combination of salty, sweet, sour, pungent, and bitter tastes, are particularly noteworthy.

Traditionally, the fruit of the Magnolia-vine has been employed in Asian cultures for its believed health benefits, including boosting stamina, reducing stress, and promoting longevity. Modern research continues to explore its potential roles in enhancing liver function, combating fatigue, and supporting overall vitality.

The Magnolia-vine is also distinguished by its aesthetically pleasing features. The leaves are oblong and glossy, providing a lush green backdrop during the growing season. In the spring, the plant produces small, but charming, star-shaped flowers, which range in color from white to pink. These blooms eventually give way to clusters of the brilliant red berries by late summer to early autumn.

Gardeners and landscapers often utilize Schisandra chinensis to create striking vertical accents on trellises, arbors, and walls, making it a versatile addition to both ornamental gardens and functional herbal spaces. Its ease of cultivation and multiple uses make it a valuable plant for those interested in holistic health practices as well as enhancing garden aesthetics.

In summary, Schisandra chinensis, or the Magnolia-vine, is a multifaceted plant with deep roots in traditional medicine and horticulture across the Russian Far East to Northern China and Central Japan. Its blend of visual appeal and health benefits continues to capture the interest of botanists, herbalists, and garden enthusiasts around the world.

Common Names

Eng: chinese magnolia-vine, five-flavor-fruit, magnolia-vine, schisandra
Deu: chinesisches spaltkölbchen
Swe: fjärilsranka
En: Magnolia-vine, Schisandra, Five-flavor-fruit, Chinese magnolia-vine
Ar: شزندرة صينية
Hy: Շիզանդրա չինական
Az: Çin cır limonu
Be: Лімоннік кітайскі
Bg: Китайска шизандра
Zh: Wu wei zi, 五味子
Hr: Šisandra
Cs: Klanopraška čínská
Et: Hiina sidrunväändik
Fi: Palsamiköynnös
De: Chinesisches Spaltkölbchen, Chinesisches Spaltkörbchen
He: שכיזנדרה סינית
Hu: Kínai kúszómagnólia
Ko: Omija, 오미자나무
Lv: Citronliāna
Lt: Kininis citrinvytis
Pl: Cytryniec chiński
Ru: Лимонник китайский
Es: Šisandra
Sv: Fjärilsranka
Zh-tw: 五味子
Uk: Лимонник китайський
Vi: Ngũ vị tử bắc

Synonyms

• Kadsura chinensis (Turcz.)
• Maximowiczia sinensis (Rob.)
• Maximowiczia amurensis (Rupr.)
• Sphaerostema japonicum (A.Gray)
• Schisandra chinensis var. leucocarpa (P.H.Huang & L.H.Zhuo)
• Maximowiczia japonica ((A.Gray) K.Koch)
• Maximowiczia chinensis ((Turcz.) Rupr.)
• Schisandra viridicarpa (Y.N.Lee)
• Schisandra nigra f. viridicarpa ((Y.N.Lee) M.Kim)
• Schisandra repanda f. viridicarpa ((Y.N.Lee) M.Kim)
• Schisandra chinensis var. typica (Nakai)
• Schisandra chinensis var. glabrata (Nakai ex T.Mori)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Julia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Julia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by červena pavla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2019 by Matafonau Aliaksandr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Julie Giulia (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Дмитрий Дегтярев (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Karl-Heinz Riedinger (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Dita Johánková (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Dita Johánková (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Альфредовна Альфредовна (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Julia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Giedrė Poškienė (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Julia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Ирина Олушева (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Soryanel Risse (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7696841)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60456331-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.)

Specifications

Growth