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I bought this at my sons school fair last week. They suggested it was a ‘lantern’ plant. Any idea what it’s proper name might be ? 
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https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/12872/...ekengi/details
Chinese lantern?
It looks like Leycesteria formosa http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...ages/477.shtmlLast edited by veggiechicken; 20-06-2019, 08:45 PM. -
Yes, Leycesteria Firmosa or Himalayan Honeysuckle as it is also called. Grows to over six feet tall. It will stay standing throughout the winter or you can cut it back to ground level at the end of the year. The berries ripen to a dark brownish colour and are edible but they can upset some peoples tummies. They divide opinion as to what they taste like! Some think it is like strong dark chocolate, I think they taste of figs! One of mine is as tall as my pergola, it's on the left. It's a bit dark as I just went out to take the photo!
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Also called Pheasant Berry. Its spreads easily here, seeds spread by birds probably.
I've never tried to eat them.Comment
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Oh yes that's right pheasants like them so it makes sense. You have to eat them standing next to the plant as they are so squidgy they won't survive being moved far! Give 'em a go, they are a "marmite" berry either love' em or hate 'em.Comment
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