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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Decaisnea is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Synonyms
Habitats
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw[1, 105]. A sweet taste, but rather insipid[109]. A very nice delicate flavour according to our palates[K]. The fruit looks like a bright blue sausage or broad bean pod[K] and is up to 10cm long[200]. You peel off the skin in much the same way as you would peel a broad bean pod, this reveals a line of seed running the entire length of the fruit surrounded by a relatively thin layer of flesh[K].
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
Other Uses
None known
Cultivation details
An easily grown plant[182] succeeding in most soils[202], but it prefers a rich moist loamy soil and a sunny position sheltered from cold winds[175, 200]. Succeeds in partial shade[200]. Prefers partial shade, succeeding in full sun if the soil is reliably moist[202]. Dislikes drought[K]. A very cold-hardy plant when fully dormant, but the flowers and young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts[11, 200]. Plants usually fruit well and regularly in Cornwall[11, 58] and a specimen has been seen on a number of occasions at Kew Botanical gardens laden down with fruit[K]. The flowers are produced at the tips of the new upright growths in the spring[11, 202]. Plants take some years from seed to produce fruit[202]. A very ornamental plant[1]. It is fairly fast growing but it looks gaunt and open in the winter[182]. Plants do not usually require pruning[202]. In some new floras, this species is seen as no more than a synonym for D. insignis[266].
The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200], it then usually germinates freely in early spring[K]. Sow stored seed in February in a greenhouse. This usually germinates well, within 1 - 3 months at 18°c[175]. 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.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Wu-yueh-kua-t'eng, Maoshigua, Yexiongjiao, Maoershi,
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Asia, Australia, Canada, China*, Himalayas, North America, USA,
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Expert comment
Author
Franch.
Botanical References
11200266
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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