Hello All A friend of mine found this thornless vine. Thick leathery leaves are nothing like Akebia. Its Italian prune plum-ish like fruit is full of a mushy pulp with lots of seeds within. Fruits do not have that clam like seam that opens like Abekia either. The last photo is a comparison of seed with Akebia on the left and mystery plant seed on the right. Fruits were harvested about a month ago in a quasi wisened condition so I think the fine fruit flesh is white. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you! ~Hammie
Might it be a passiflora? What does it smell like when you open the fruit? I'm stumped, but I'd love to know what it is...
I seriously doubt its a Passiflora. Having processed P. incarnata fruit not too long ago I will always remember its lovely citrus scent...like 5-Alive. These plum like fruits have no scent. I think most passiflora are herbacous perennial in nature, this mystery vine is woody, like Lonicera (but not Lonicera). I think Passiflora seed have a funky stippled seed coat, P. incarnata certainly does. I too am stumped.
I agree with Daniel. It certainly has a lardizabalaceous look about it. I'd say it's probably Holboellia parviflora. See this Flora of China link. Sorry, I can't find a picture of the fruit.
I agree with Doug. this is most probably a Holboellia with its characteristic 2-3" sausage shaped purple pods. Wish I could grow it in TN. It's a bit tender for here. Paul Schneider
Hi Daniel and Douglas I wish I knew too. My friend who found the vine is rather cryptic on where she found the plant...but I'm sure I can bribe the information out of her so I can take a look at the plant and its growing site. That way I can take some pics of the flowers and settle this 'mystery' thing for good! With the -14C we've had here, if it survived, it could be hardier than we might think! What is nice is that I have a heap of seed (my friend has collected more). Soon I will germinate 'a few' under the light on the computer desk. Happy Holidays! All the best in the New Year! ~Hammie
Hi Folks, Sources for Holboellia are not around every corner however Dan Hinkley at "the original Heronswood" listed several species of Holboellia for several years. I don't believe "the new Heronswod" lists it. I did however find it listed in Forestfarms' Spring 2008 catalog. One listing: H. coriacea, Sausage Vine, Z. 7 Origin China, to 20 Ft, fragrant flowers. 1 gal plant-2'3 ft for $12 US. Happy hunting, Paul S.
To: ginsenghamster, I'd love to try a few seeds even tho the Sausgage vine may be a bit tender here in TN. I have some fresh ( collected this fall) seeds for Syneilesis intermedia (Shredded umbrella plant)that I'd be willing to trade with you. It is a great plant for the semi-shaded garden & should do really well in B.C. I have attached a photo of it in my garden (where I collected the seed). You can e-mail direct at : paulhschneider@comcast.net Regards, Paul S.
Hello All Crûg Farm (UK) certainly had an array of Holboellia and Stauntonia offerings. What is nice is the photos they provide. The thick leathery leaves and fruits of the mystery vine do appear to match the descriptions given for Holboellia coriacea. My friend's comment that it has white flowers also appears to match. We will see what the flowers look like in May/June! ~Hammie
Hi Daniel That would seem to be the most likely source. I seriously doubt that I'm lucky enough to find a plant tag still attached though. ~Hammie
Holboellia coriacea is widely available hereabouts. I'm sure the source is Van Belle Wholesale Nursery. I've seen H. coriacea at Home Depot (!).
Hello again I've found some lovely finds in some oddest places, as long as its not that mega box store with the greeters.... My friend dug up a pic of the mystery vine in the fall. Perhaps this will help nail down its identification. Thanks again to all... ~Hammie
Likewise down here a broad range of vines (particularly clematis) is available due to wholesale growers specializing in them being located in the region. 15 retail sources for Holboellia coriacea were listed by Hill/Narizny, The Plant Locator - Western Region (2004, Black-Eyed Susans Press/Timber Press, Portland).
I'm not sure why I didn't recognize it the first time. My dad has one planted in the back yard and I brush by it every time I walk in through the gate.