We are following the treatment of 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 Holboellia as being synonymous with Stauntonia. This treatment has not been fully accepted as of 2019 and many publications, such as the flora of China[] still accept the genus Holboellia, treating this taxon as Holboellia angustifolia Wall.

Common Name:

General Information

Stauntonia angustifolia is an evergreen climbing shrub producing branched stems that twine into the surrounding vegetation.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern and central China, Himalayas from Nepal to Myanmar

Habitat

Mixed forest on mountain slopes, edge of forests, hillsides, along valleys and by streams; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Flies, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Stauntonia angustifolia is native to the warm temperate and subtropical regions of southern China and the Himalayas. It is not very cold-tolerant, being able to withstand short periods with temperatures falling to around -10 to -15°c[], though it can be damaged or killed by prolonged periods below -5°c[].
Easily grown in any fertile soil in sun or part shade[, ]. Plants grow best on a shady wall or when grown into a tree[]. They succeed in sun or deep shade, but fruits are much more likely to be produced when the plants are grown in a sunny position[, ].
Plants are hardy at Kew Gardens in England (hardiness zone 7 - 8) but they do not fruit freely there[]. Hand pollination would probably help, and fruits are more likely to form naturally in hot summers[, ].
Species in this genus are usually monoecious, though there are instances of plants only bearing flowers of one sex (dioecious)[].
The flowers are sweetly and heavily scented. The males are produced on the previous years wood whilst females are produced on the current years wood[].
Plants are fast growing[] and climb by means of twining[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. Often considered to be insipid, the fruit is a startling metallic-blue colour, sausage-shaped with many black seeds in the white pulp. The thick-walled fruit can be up to 8cm long and 5cm wide, containing numerous seeds embedded in a thin, sweet-flavoured pulp[, ].

Medicinal

The roots and stems are used medicinally[]. No further information is given.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no details on this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise as soon as you obtain it, in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of softwood[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in late summer or autumn[].
Layering.