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1.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Overview
Callicarpa bodinieri, commonly known as Bodinier Beautyberry or Profusion Beautyberry, is a captivating deciduous shrub celebrated for its striking violet-purple berries that persist well into winter, providing exceptional late-season garden interest. Native to Southern China and Indochina, this species belongs to the Lamiaceae family, a taxonomic placement that reflects its botanical characteristics, though it was historically classified under Verbenaceae. The genus name 'Callicarpa' is derived from Greek words meaning 'beautiful fruit', a fitting description for its most distinctive feature. This upright shrub typically reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet, featuring slender, arching branches.
Its ovate-lanceolate leaves emerge with a bronze tint in spring, mature to a dark green in summer, and transform into a golden yellow or purplish hue in autumn before dropping. Small, inconspicuous lilac-colored flowers bloom in clusters along the new growth from June to August, serving as a vital nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. These blossoms give way to the iconic berry clusters that encircle the stems, ripening by September and remaining vibrant long after the leaves have fallen. While primarily cultivated as an ornamental, its botanical relatives, including Callicarpa americana, also share some traditional uses.
This species thrives in temperate climates and is widely distributed in cultivation across various regions globally, valued for its hardiness and visual appeal. It is distinct from other similar species such as Callicarpa dichotoma or Callicarpa japonica, although they share the characteristic 'beautiful fruit' display.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Callicarpa bodinieri
1.1 Wikipedia — Callicarpa bodinieri
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Callicarpa Bodinieri should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Showy Violet</strong> — Purple Berries — Provides spectacular visual interest in fall and winter landscapes.
- ✓ <strong>Deciduous Shrub</strong> — Offers seasonal beauty with changing leaf colors from bronze to golden yellow.
- ✓ <strong>Native to Southern China and Indochina</strong> — Reflects its geographical origin and adaptation.
- ✓ <strong>Attracts Pollinators</strong> — Its lilac flowers draw bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- ✓ <strong>Deer Resistant</strong> — The bitter taste of its fruits typically deters deer and other wildlife.
- ✓ <strong>Low Maintenance</strong> — Generally easy to grow and care for once established in suitable conditions.
- ✓ <strong>Traditional Medicinal Uses</strong> — Utilized in various folk medicine systems for a range of ailments.
- ✓ <strong>Rich in Bioactive Compounds</strong> — Contains a spectrum of phytochemicals like flavonoids and diterpenoids.
- ✓ <strong>Cold Tolerant</strong> — Exhibits good hardiness, making it suitable for diverse temperate climates.
- ✓ <strong>Lamiaceae Family Member</strong> — Classified within the mint family, though not typically aromatic like mint.
1.2.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Quick Summary
- ✓ Callicarpa bodinieri, or Bodinier Beautyberry, is an ornamental shrub famed for its vibrant purple berries.
- ✓ Traditionally valued in herbal medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive benefits.
- ✓ Rich in bioactive compounds including unique diterpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
- ✓ Requires full sun and well-drained soil for vigorous growth and abundant fruit production.
- ✓ Essential to consult a healthcare professional before medicinal use, especially for pregnant women or those on medication.
2.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Scientific Identity
3.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Quick Facts
4.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Appearance & Identification
5.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Native Habitat
6.Callicarpa Bodinieri — Water Requirements
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Callicarpa bodinieri thrives best in well-drained, fertile loamy soils that are rich in organic matter, ensuring adequate nutrient supply and moisture retention.
- ✓ Light Exposure — For optimal growth and prolific fruit production, the shrub prefers a site with full sun exposure, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- ✓ Watering Schedule — Maintain consistent soil moisture; water regularly, particularly during dry spells, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
- ✓ Fertilization Needs — Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to promote vigorous growth, healthy foliage, and abundant fruit development.
- ✓ Pruning Practices — Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, removing the oldest stems to encourage fresh growth, as flowers and fruits form on new wood.
- ✓ Pollination Enhancement — Planting Callicarpa bodinieri in small groupings or with other Callicarpa species significantly improves cross-pollination, leading to a more abundant fruit set.
- ✓ Pest and Disease Management — The shrub is generally robust and pest-resistant, but occasionally monitor for leaf spot, stem diseases, or black mold, treating promptly if issues arise.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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