Zabala Fruit
Lardizabala biternata
Family: Lardizabalaceae
What it is like
Lardizabala biternata is an evergreen Climber growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from December to February. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3.5
Where it is found
Grows into trees in woodland.
S. America - Chile, Peru.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and pulpy, it is considered to be a delicacy in Chile where it is collected and sold in local markets. Also of interest value because of its sausage-like deep purple fruits. The fruit is 5 - 8cm long.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A cordage is made from the stems.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained humus-rich sandy loam in a shady protected position. It requires a sunny wall according to another report, whilst others say that it succeeds in sun or semi-shade. A very ornamental plant, but it is only hardy in the mildest areas of Britain tolerating occasional lows to -10°c. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. The fruits are only formed in this country after a long hot summer. Plants climb by means of twining, they do not really need pruning. The flowers can be monoecious or dioecious. Male and female flowers are carried on the same plants. The edible fruit is sold in the local markets in Chile and Peru.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in early summer and, if possible, give the plants some protection for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm long with a heel, June/July in a frame. The cuttings should be put in individual pots. A good percentage. Stem cuttings in spring and autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; East Wall. By. South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist