Zabala Fruit (Lardizabala biternata)

Zabala Fruit (Lardizabala biternata)
(c) pedro vargas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by pedro vargas

At a glance

Exposure
Partial shade
Frost limit
−6.7 °C

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained humus-rich sandy loam in a shady protected position. A very ornamental plant. Plants climb by means of twining. The flowers can be monoecious or dioecious. Male and female flowers are carried on the same plants. The edible fruit is sold in the local markets in Chile and Peru.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. 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. Stem cuttings in spring and autumn.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and pulpy.

Material uses

A cordage is made from the stems.

Habitat

Grows into trees in woodland.

Native range

S. America - Chile, Peru.

Scientific synonyms Lardizabala funaria