Dead Man’s Fingers, Blue Sausage Fruit

Sometimes known as Decaisnea insignis, this plant is native to western China and Nepal. A tall deciduous multiple stemmed shrub with long pinnate leaves up to 90cm long and small, attractive, lightly scented flowers that turn into fruit that resemble a bunch of butcher’s sausages, blue in colour with slight yellow spots on a rough skin. The inside contains a clear jelly-like substance with loads of small round seeds, said to be edible but unpalatable. Decaisnea fargesii is certainly worthy of any ornamental or curiosity garden.

Site: Requires some shelter
Soil: Any well-drained soil, must not be too damp
Position: Full sun, some shade
Season of Interest: Unusual Autumn fruit
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 10ft (3m) Spread: 6ft (1.8m)