Information about Decaisnea fargesii

Decaisnea fargesii, also known as blue sausage fruit or dead man's fingers, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China. It belongs to the family Lardizabalaceae and can grow up to 6 meters tall.

The plant has alternate, pinnately compound leaves that are 30-60 cm long with 9-15 leaflets. The flowers are bell-shaped and greenish-yellow, appearing in early summer. The fruit is a cylindrical, blue-green pod that can grow up to 25 cm long and contains edible, sausage-like pulp with a tart flavor.

Decaisnea fargesii is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens for its attractive foliage, unusual flowers, and unique fruit. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. The plant is relatively easy to grow and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20°C. It can be propagated through seed or cuttings.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the bark and roots of Decaisnea fargesii have been used for their medicinal properties to treat rheumatism, fever, and other ailments. However, it is important to note that the plant may also have toxic properties, and caution should be exercised when consuming its fruit or using it for medicinal purposes.