Zanthoxylum simulans

Sechuan peper, Kiespijnboom, Tomarzaad / Szechuan pepper, Chinese-pepper, Prickly ash

Rutaceae (wijnruitfamilie)

Edible plant part (2)

Fruits, leaves
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

Szechuan pepper, Chinese-pepper, Prickly ash belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is slow. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 6 to 8 meter. and a width of 3 to 4 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open.
This species forms a heart-shaped shallow root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Krzysztof Ziarnek, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zanthoxylum_simulans_kz01.jpg

foto: Krzysztof Ziarnek, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zanthoxylum_simulans_kz01.jpg

foto: Evelyn Derksen

foto: Evelyn Derksen

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early may, mid may, end of may
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self-fertile (sf)

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

very resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

none applicable

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Leaves

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early july, mid july, end of july
Harvesting period - length: Several months
Harvesting period - uniformity: High
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several days
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 10
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 15
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 110

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early may, mid may, end of may, early july, mid july, end of july, early august, mid august, end of august
Harvesting period - length: Several months
Harvesting period - uniformity: High
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several days
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 10
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 15
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 110

Culinary appreciation

Berries: highly valued, can be dried or eaten fresh, with a tangy, tingling citrus flavor. Leaves: ginger-lemon flavor, suitable for fermentation or use fresh.

References