Decaisnea Fargesii (Blue Sausage Shrub, Dead Man's Fingers)

This is an amazing large shrub or small tree originally from eastern Asia to western China. It is deciduous and grows slowly to 4 x 4m. It has large pinnate leaves, racemes of small greenish flowers and then in the autumn it bears long, soft textured blue grey beans. The seeds are not edible but the sweet gelatinous pulp is a similar flavour to watermelon.

Position in full to sun to partial shade, in any sheltered position on a moist but well drained soil. Hardy in most winters to -10C. Can be seen at Wisley.