Decaisnea Insignis

Description

Decaisnea Insignis, also known as dead man’s fingers or blue sausage fruit, is a deciduous shrub native to China and the Himalayas. It belongs to the family Lardizabalaceae and is valued for its unique appearance and ornamental value. The plant typically grows up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with smooth gray bark and large, alternate leaves that are up to 2 feet long. The most distinctive feature of Decaisnea Insignis is its fruit, which is shaped like a sausage and can grow up to 6 inches long. The fruit is bluish-gray when young, turning yellowish-green as it ripens. Inside, it contains jelly-like pulp that is edible and has a sweet and sour taste. The fruit is often used in traditional Chinese medicine and is also used to make jams and jellies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Decaisnea Insignis is a large shrub with a spreading habit. It has smooth gray bark and large, alternate leaves that are up to 2 feet long. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-15 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow color before dropping.The most distinctive feature of Decaisnea Insignis is its fruit. The fruit is shaped like a sausage and can grow up to 6 inches long. It is bluish-gray when young, turning yellowish-green as it ripens. Inside, it contains jelly-like pulp that is edible and has a sweet and sour taste.

Care Guide

Water: Decaisnea Insignis prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water it regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater.Fertilization: Fertilize Decaisnea Insignis in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Decaisnea Insignis prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: Decaisnea Insignis prefers partial shade to full shade.Hardiness Zones: Decaisnea Insignis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Decaisnea Insignis is generally a healthy plant and is not often affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant is growing in well-drained soil and has good air circulation.

Habitat

Decaisnea Insignis is native to China and the Himalayas, where it grows in forests and along stream banks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Decaisnea Insignis easy to grow?
A: Decaisnea Insignis is relatively easy to grow as long as it is planted in well-drained soil and given adequate moisture.Q: Can I eat the fruit of Decaisnea Insignis?
A: Yes, the fruit of Decaisnea Insignis is edible and has a sweet and sour taste.Q: Does Decaisnea Insignis attract birds or other wildlife?
A: Yes, the fruit of Decaisnea Insignis is attractive to birds and other wildlife.Q: How often should I fertilize Decaisnea Insignis?
A: Fertilize Decaisnea Insignis once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Related Plants

Some related plants to Decaisnea Insignis include:

• Lardizabalaceae
• Akebia quinata
• Stauntonia hexaphylla
• Holboellia coriacea

References

• “Decaisnea Insignis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278291&isprofile=0&genus=Decaisnea.
• “Decaisnea Insignis.” Plant Finder. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3015/blue-sausage-fruit/.
• “Decaisnea Insignis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed October 20, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/7443/Decaisnea-insignis/Details.