We are following Christenhusz M.J.M., An Overview of Lardizabalaceae, Curtis's Botanical Magazine, Vol 29, Issue 3 September 2012 pp 235-267, who treats the genus Decaisnea as comprising two species. In some publications, such as the flora of China[] and Qin, H.-N. (1997). A taxonomic revision of the Lardizabalaceae. Cathaya 8-9: 1-214., Decaisnea fargesii is treated as no more than a synonym for Decaisnea insignis[].

Common Name: Blue Sausage Fruit

General Information

Decaisnea fargesii is an erect, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 metres tall
The plant is harvested fom the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental n gardens, valued especially for the strikingly attractive blue fruits.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - central to southern China (Anhui, Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Nepal

Habitat

Mixed forests, scrub on mountain slopes, wet areas in ravines; at elevations from 900 - 3,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Decaisnea fargesii is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant[]. It grows best in areas with hot summers, where it more fully ripens its wood. In cooler climates the wood does not ripen well and is then more susceptible to damage from winter cold. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage from frosts[].
An easily grown plant[] succeeding in most soils[], but it prefers a rich moist loamy soil and a sunny position sheltered from cold winds[, ]. Succeeds in partial shade[]. Prefers partial shade, succeeding in full sun if the soil is reliably moist[]. Dislikes drought[].
Plants usually fruit well and regularly in Cornwall[, ] and a specimen has been seen on a number of occasions at Kew Botanical gardens laden down with fruit[]. The flowers are produced at the tips of the new upright growths in the spring[, ]. Plants take some years from seed to produce fruit[].
A very ornamental plant[]. It is fairly fast growing but it looks gaunt and open in the winter[]. Plants do not usually require pruning[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. A sweet taste, but rather insipid[]. A very nice delicate flavour according to our palates[]. The fruit looks like a bright blue sausage or broad bean pod[] and is up to 10cm long[]. 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[]. The blue, cylindrical fruits are 7 - 10cm long and around 2cm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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 late winter 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.