Sinofranchetia chinensis
Family: Lardizabalaceae
What it is like
Sinofranchetia chinensis is a deciduous Climber growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
Woodland, 1500 - 2800 metres. Dense forests along valleys, forest margins and among shrubs.
E. Asia - C. and W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. Insipid. The size of a grape. The fruit is about 2cm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil in sun or shade. Prefers semi-shade. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A fast growing climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants etc. Any pruning is best carried out after the plant has finished flowering. Dioecious, but female plants can produce fruits in the absence of male plants. The report does not say if this fruit contains viable seed, so it is best to assume that male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - can be sown as soon as it is ripe or in late winter in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering of new shoots in summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist