The freaky dark fruits of Dead Man’s fingers will certainly be a talking point for your garden. This creepy looking plant is scientifically known as Decaisnea fargesii. It originates from Chinese and Nepalese woodlands and scrub between 500 m and 2500 m elevation. The eerily skin like feel of the bright blue seedpods give the plants its common name. Inside each seedpod is a translucent jelly pulp. Within this jelly pulp are flat dark black seeds. Although the seeds are not edible the pulp jelly part is edible. Those who have managed to taste this weird looking jelly say its tastes refreshing and similar to a cucumber or melon. The plant is found in the chocolate vine family Lardizalaceae and as it is frost hardy it can be grown in the UK as a garden ornamental shrub. Why not try growing this shrub in your garden and see if you can spook your visitors around Halloween time.
Get Planting! 