Christenhusz M.J.M.[], treats this taxon as Lardizabala funaria (Molina) Looser, based on Dolichos funarius Molina. This treatment has not been fully accepted as of 2018.

Common Name: Zabala Fruit

General Information

Lardizabala biternata is an evergreen climbing shrub with stems up to 10 metres long. It grows into the surrounding vegetation, attaching itself by twining.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. The fruit is considered to be a delicacy in Chile where it is commonly collected from the wild and sold in local markets[, ]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America - central Chile, Juan Fernandez Islands

Habitat

Margins of broadleaf evergreen forests; at elevations from 100 - 1,000 metres[]. Twines into trees in woodland[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	3.50 m
Pollinators	Flies, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Lardizabala biternata is native to the warm temperate zone of Chile, where it is found at elevations up to 1,000 metres. The climate can be moist to semi-arid; in the moister areas the rainfall is spread throughout the year whilst in the drier regions it can range from 400 - 800mm per annum, concentrated in the winter with dry spell of up to 5 months. The plant is not very cold-hardy, being able to tolerate short-lived temperatures down to around -5 to -10°c when fully dormant[, ].
Prefers a well-drained humus-rich sandy loam in a shady protected position[]. It succeeds in full sun or moderate shade[, , ], though in cooler regions it requires the protection of a sunny wall[].
A very ornamental plant[].
The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. In cooler temperate zones the fruits are only formed after a long hot summer[, ].
Plants climb by means of twining[], they do not really need pruning[].
The flowers can be monoecious or dioecious. Male and female flowers are carried on the same plants[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and pulpy[, , ], it is considered to be a delicacy in Chile where it is collected and sold in local markets[]. Also of interest value because of its sausage-like deep purple fruits[]. The fruit is 5 - 8cm long[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A cordage is made from the tough fibre in the stems[, ]. The stems, which grow to enormous lengths in Chile, are dried and used as ropes. They would probably yield a good, tough cordage fibre[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe, only just covering the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until large enough to plant out/
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm long with a heel[]. The cuttings should be put in individual pots[]. A good percentage[].
Stem cuttings[].

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