Edible Dead Man's Fingers

Sounds gross doesn't? But really isn't. The strange fruit is also named Decaisnea fargesii, Bluebean, Blue Sausage and Blue Cucumber and is really a site to behold.

This is a shrub that is definitely different. From China, it is a deciduous shrub forming clumps of tall, upright shoots with large, pinnate leaves, themselves ornamental, up to 3 ft. in length. The somewhat unusual flowers too are attractive, yellow-green in colour and appear in early summer in drooping racemes up to 18 ins. in length. However, the main reason for growing this plant is for its quite remarkable seed pods. An eye-catching, fruiting shrub with an exotic appearance! Great for juicing.

Decaisnea fargesii is self-fertile, but will produce more fruit if planted in small groups (2 or 3 plants).

Seeds can be found here.

.