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 latifolia Wall..

Common Name:

General Information

Stauntonia latifolia is an evergreen climbing shrub, though it can be almost deciduous in cold winters. It grows up to 6 metres tall with main stems up to 10cm in diameter that twine into the neaby vegetation for support. It sometimes forms massive, impenetrable stands in the wild[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental and is sometimes cultivated in southern Europe for its edible fruits[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayan regions of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and southern China

Habitat

Forests, shrubberies and shady ravines; at elevations below 4,000 metres[]. Forests, mixed forests by streams or other shady moist sites, forest margins on mountain slopes, along valleys; at elevations from 600 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Stauntonia latifolia can be found at elevations up to 3,000 metres, occasionally more, in the Himalayas. It is moderately cold-hardy, being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to about -15°c[] though it can be damaged by prolonged periods below -5°c[, ]
Easily grown in any moisture-retentive but well-drained, fertile soil in sun or part shade[, ]. Plants grow best on a shady wall or when grown into a tree[], enjoying their roots in the shade but top growth being able to grow up into the sun[].. Plants can also succeed in deeper shade, but fruits are much more likely to be produced when the plants are grown in a sunny position[, ].
Plants in cultivation often do not bear fruit - growing two or more plants from different seed sources is necessary for cross-fertilization. Hand pollination would probably help, whilst fruits are also more likely to form 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[].
This species is closely related to Stauntonia coriacea[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , ]. A mealy texture and often considered to be insipid[, , , ], though it is considered to be very palatable in the Himalayas[]. The fruit contains numerous seeds surrounding the edible, white, gelatinous pulp[]. The reddish-purple, sausage-shaped fruits can be up to 12cm long, though they are more commonly around 4 - 8cm long and 2 - 6cm wide[].

Medicinal

The roots are used in the treatment of rheumatism[].

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.