Practical
Plants

Lardizabala biternata

Zabala Fruit

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Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
evergreen
Height
3.5 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
monoecious

Uses

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and pulpy[9][12][2], it is considered to be a delicacy in Chile where it is collected and sold in local markets[6]. Also of interest value because of its sausage-like deep purple fruits[6]. The fruit is 5 - 8cm long[8].

Plant part
Fruit

Material uses

A cordage is made from the stems[1][14].

Product or use
Fibre

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
S. America - Chile, Peru.
Habitat
Grows into trees in woodland[3][7].
Shade tolerance
partial shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[10]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in early summer and, if possible, give the plants some protection for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm long with a heel, June/July in a frame[15]. The cuttings should be put in individual pots[15]. A good percentage[15]. Stem cuttings in spring and autumn[10].

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained humus-rich sandy loam in a shady protected position[10]. It requires a sunny wall according to another report[5], whilst others say that it succeeds in sun or semi-shade[8][11]. A very ornamental plant[1], but it is only hardy in the mildest areas of Britain tolerating occasional lows to -10°c[7]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. The fruits are only formed in this country after a long hot summer[4][11]. Plants climb by means of twining[5], they do not really need pruning[11]. The flowers can be monoecious or dioecious. Male and female flowers are carried on the same plants[8]. The edible fruit is sold in the local markets in Chile and Peru[13].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. ? Flora of Chile. (in Spanish)

    ↩

  4. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

    ↩

  5. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  6. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  7. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2

  8. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  10. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  11. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩1↩2↩3

  12. Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7

    ↩

  13. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  14. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  15. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

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