Decaisnea insignis aka Blue Sausage Tree

Decaisnea insignis is a deciduous shrub in the Lardizabalaceae family. Its native range runs from the eastern Himalaya to northern Myanmar. Records include Bhutan and the Indian states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. It grows in moist woods and thickets in this region. These habitats reach about 9,840 feet [3,000 metres] above sea level. Kew lists it as a plant of temperate climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The shrub reaches about 11.5 feet [3.5 metres] in height. It sheds its leaves for winter and makes upright new growth in spring. Flowers form at the tips of these new shoots. Plants For A Future gives June as its flowering month. Each flower has both male and female organs. Seeds ripen from September to October. The yellow fruit is a pod about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] long. It holds white, juicy pulp with a sweet taste. The pulp can be eaten raw, though the source gives its edible value a modest rating.

Choose rich, moist loam and a site sheltered from cold winds. Plants For A Future favours sun but also reports success in partial shade. Its planting notes include sunny woodland edges and sites with dappled shade. Sandy and clay soils are also listed as suitable. The shrub accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Moist ground is a clear need in the cultivation notes. The source lists USDA zones 7–10, yet warns about its hardiness in Britain. It suggests greenhouse protection may be needed across much of the country. Late frosts can harm both flowers and tender spring shoots.

Seed and cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame as it ripens. It may then sprout freely the next spring. Stored seed can be sown in a greenhouse in February. At about 18°C, germination can take one to three months. Move seedlings into separate pots once they are large enough. Keep young plants under protection through their first winter. Plant them out in late spring after the expected last frost. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards, medicinal uses or other uses. That hazard statement does not establish safety for every person or pet.