Oriental Bittersweet
Celastrus paniculatus
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Christmas I., Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Celastraceae
- Genus:
- Celastrus
- Species:
- Celastrus paniculatus
- USDA Symbol:
- CEPA7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Vine
- Height:
- 1000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-white, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to mixed deciduous forests
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.