Holboellia latifolia - Broad-leaved Sausage Vine

Holboellia latifolia is a climbing plant native to the Himalayas. This plant has a fairly rapid growth rate and can reach a height of up to 5m (16ft).

In March, Holboellia develops monoecious flowers, meaning they have both male and female parts. These small flowers, measuring 0.5 to 2cm (0 to 1in) in length, are grouped together in clusters that are 6 to 12cm (2 to 5in) wide. The male flowers are greenish-white, while the female flowers are purplish-pink in colour. They are fragrant.

In autumn, elongated fruits measuring 4 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in length appear. They are red to purple in colour. The evergreen leaves of Holboellia, also known as the Broad-leaved Sausage Vine, are compound and composed of three to nine leaflets. They have a decorative and dark green colour. The palmate leaves measure 7 to 15cm (3 to 6in) in length.

With its climbing habit, Large-leaved Holboellia thrives when grown in isolation. It can be used to adorn old walls and can be trained on a support. It can be found in mixed forests and along riverbanks. It is a vigorous plant, but it should be protected from severe frost.