Decaisnea insignis
Family: Lardizabalaceae
What it is like
Decaisnea insignis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3.5
Where it is found
Moist woods and thickets to 3000 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas in Sikkim and Bhutan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. A yellow pod about 8cm long, it is filled with a white juicy pulp that is very sweet and pleasant to eat.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a rich moist loamy soil and a sunny position sheltered from cold winds. Succeeds in partial shade. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it probably needs greenhouse protection in most parts of the country. The flowers and young growth in spring are very frost-tender and can be damaged by late frosts. The flowers are produced at the tips of the new upright growths in the spring.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it then usually germinates freely in early spring. Sow stored seed in February in a greenhouse. This usually germinates well, within 1 - 3 months at 18°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on under protection for their first winter. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist