Decaisnea insignis |
Syn. Decaisnea fargesii
Syn. Slackia insignis
Native Region: Himalayas, Western China
Zone Range: 06-09
Preferred Climate: Temperate woodland
Harvest Date: Tuesday 16 October, 2012
Seed count: 12-15
Description:
A small multi-trunked tree, Decaisnea rarely exceeds 5-6 meters in height, with a similar spread. The bright green pinnate leaves, which can be as long as 90cm (3ft), emerge in mid-spring. The pendent panicles of blooms, up to 45cm (18in) long, have sparse bright green-yellow petalless flowers, up to 3cm (2in) in diameter. The fruit, up to 15cm (6in) in length and resembling fat bean-pods, turn dull metallic blue in the autumn.
Notes:
Decaisnea can make for a remarkable conversation piece in any garden. The common name 'Dead Man's Fingers' is a surprisingly apt description of what the over-ripe fruit looks, and dare we say, feels like. This is a beautiful plant in its own right, but it really shines as an annual source of excellent Hallowe'en decorations.
Cultivation:
Sow seed in containers in an open frame in autumn or spring. Maintain even, but not excessive, moisture. Grow on in any good garden soil. Hardy to -15°C (5°F). For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant.
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