Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 16D7edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read

Holboellia latifolia

Holboellia latifolia
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
ediblevinesedible
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Holboellia latifolia (Holboellia latifolia) — botanical photograph
Pl. 16D7 — Holboellia latifolia
Holboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifoliaHolboellia latifolia
I

Overview

Holboellia latifolia, a deciduous shrub native to the mountainous regions of Assam, Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and West Himalaya, is known for its edible fruit. This plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or partial shade, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range. With a height of up to 4 meters, Holboellia latifolia can be an ornamental addition to gardens while also providing a food source. Its ability to grow in light, medium, or heavy soil types and its hardiness from zones 8-11 make it versatile for cultivation in similar climates. The fruit, which can be consumed raw or used in various preparations, is often eaten fresh but may also be dried for later use. While Holboellia latifolia is primarily noted for its edible fruit, it also offers ornamental value and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Given its native range in temperate regions, it is best suited to climates with similar conditions.

Quick answers

What is Holboellia latifolia?

Holboellia latifolia, a deciduous shrub native to the mountainous regions of Assam, Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and West Himalaya, is known for its edible fruit.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Holboellia latifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and can grow up to 4 meters tall. For propagation, use the fruit. Given its native range in temperate regions, it is best suited to climates with similar conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Holboellia latifolia for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Holboellia latifolia in a sunny to partially shaded spot, and you'll have a rewarding experience.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if needed.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, and heavy textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist, water regularly but avoid overwatering. Place in a partially shaded area if direct sun is too intense.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full to partial sun and keep the soil moist. Fertilize sparingly with compost or organic matter.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Harvest fruits when ripe.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough nutrients, and using chemical fertilizers.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Holboellia latifolia is edible and can be consumed raw or used in various preparations. It is often eaten fresh but may also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 11 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)BangladeshChinaIndiaMyanmarNepalPakistan
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Holboellia latifolia (Holboellia latifolia) — botanical photograph
Holboellia latifolia (Holboellia latifolia)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 16d7d86e-3580-4a11-9250-db4c48a9dfd2
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes