Dead Man's Fingers

FB148 Dead Man’s Fingers Decaisnea fargesii

A small multi-trunked tree, Decaisnea rarely exceeds 5-6 meters in height, with a similar spread. The bright green pinnate leaves, which can be as long as 90cm (3ft), emerge in mid-spring. The pendent panicles of blooms, up to 45cm (18in) long, have sparse bright green-yellow petalless flowers, up to 3cm (2in) in diameter. The fruit, up to 15cm (6in) in length and resembling fat been-pods, turn dull metallic blue in the autumn.

Decaisnea can make for a remarkable conversation piece in any garden. The common name ‘Dead Man’s Fingers’ is a surprisingly apt description of what the over-ripe fruit looks, and dare we say, feels like. This is a beautiful plant in its own right, but it really shines as an annual source of excellent Hallowe’en decorations. Even better effects for halloween decorations is the fact that inside the ripe blue pods are several dozen black beans are suspended in a liquid that looks like clear phlegm, they are truely gross looking, but the “phlegm” is actually sweet and delicious.

Sow seed in containers in autumn or spring. Maintain even, but not excessive, moisture. Grow on in any good garden soil. Hardy to -15°C (5°F).


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