Flower Properties

Flower Details

Description

A hardy, deciduous shrub with slender, arching stems and pendulous red and purple flowers that resemble tiny lanterns. Native to South America (Chile and Argentina), but widely grown in the UK as a popular garden plant. In some mild coastal regions of Britain and Ireland, it has naturalised, particularly in hedgerows. No conservation concerns.

Distribution

Native to South America; naturalised in parts of the UK and Ireland; widely grown ornamentally across

Medicinal/Other Uses

Limited use — in South American folk medicine, parts of the plant have been used as an astringent and for skin care.

Edibility  

The berries are edible, with a mild, slightly tart flavour, though not widely eaten. Flowers are also edible and sometimes used as garnish.

Human Toxicity

Non_Toxic

Generally considered safe.

Pet Toxicity

Not Toxic

Active Compounds

Contains flavonoids and anthocyanins, responsible for the vivid colours of the flowers and fruits.

Quality Issue

Good record of the whole shrub, but the flowers are too small to show their distinctive structure and the house forms part of the background.