ZABALA
(Lardizabala biternata)
 

A part of zabala vine in bloom

Family: Lardizabalaceae

Zabala is a native of Chile.  It is also found in Peru.  An interesting feature of zarbala plant is that initially it starts as a vine.  But when the vine attains a length of 2 to 2.5 m , the stem begins to thicken ultimately develops into a tree.  Zabala is good in the garden as an ornamental plant too

Zabala is an evergreen climber/tree growing upto 4 m and is monoecious as well as dioecious.  The flowers are not self fertile and require cross pollination for successful bearing
 

  Developing fruits of zabala
 

Zabala fruits look like sausages.  These are deep purple in colour and 5 to 8 cm long.  The fruits are pulpy and taste sweet.  The fruits have a good taste and are eaten raw.  These are considered to be a seasonal delicacy in Chile and sold in the markets in Chile as well as Peru.

A ripe fruit of zabala

The plant can be multiplied by cuttings.

Zabala is not known much outside Colombia and Peru though it has been introduced into Britain too.