Ripogonum scandens Supple Jack PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Ripogonum scandens is an evergreen Climber growing to 10 m (32ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Root Sap Shoots
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked. It is rich in starch[105]. The root is very fibrous and is used as a flavouring for beer[173]. Fruit - raw or cooked. Dry and uninteresting[153, 173]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[200]. Young shoots - cooked. They taste like fresh green beans[173]. Sap. It is obtained by blowing it out of short cut sections of the stem[173].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antirheumatic Skin Stomachic Vulnerary

Antirheumatic, skin, stomachic, vulnerary[61]. The burnt stems and sap are used to cauterize wounds[61].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Basketry String

The stems are used in basket making and also to make rope ladders[44, 46, 61, 128]. The stems are strong enough to be used as they are to make a rope[128].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is unlikely to succeed outdoors in Britain in any but the mildest areas of the country. Plants do not take kindly to cultivation, but a rich soil and shade are probably the best conditions for it[1].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a warm greenhouse. Sow stored seed in a warm greenhouse in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in the greenhouse. Plant out in early summer. Division.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

J.R.Forst.&G.Forst.

Botanical References

44200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Ripogonum scandens - J.R.Forst.&G.Forst.