Zabala fruit
Lardizabala biternata

Family: Lardizabalaceae

What it is like

A vigorous vine. It grows to 10 m high. The leaves are evergreen and large and dark green. They are thick and oval with wavy edges. They have 3-9 leaflets. The female flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. Male flowers hang in groups. The flowers are dark purple or deep brown. The fruit are 7.5 cm long. They are sausage shaped. They are dark and purple. They have a sweet pulp. The flesh is edible. Possibly now Lardizabala funaria (Molina) Looser

There is only one Lardizabala species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It requires support. It needs a warm sheltered site. It needs good drainage. It is tolerant of cool, dry conditions. It does not thrive in humid warm conditions. It can tolerate some frost. It needs protection from cold winds. In Chile it grows from 500-2,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Chile (country/location of origin), Europe, Japan, Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw. They can also be cooked.

The fruit are sold in markets. They are popular.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. It grows easily from cuttings of hardened shoots.

It is fast growing. It produces fruit in 2 years.

Its other names

Local names

Aquiboquil, Aquibuquil, Aquilbough, Boqui-coquil, Coguil, Coquilera, Coguilvochi, Coile, Collivoqui, Coulle, Guilbogin, Kowel

Synonyms

Cogyla triternata (Ruiz. & Pav.) Molina; Lardizabala triternata Ruiz. & Pav.; and others