Botanical name:

Ripogonum scandens

Common name(s):

Supplejack, kareao, pirita

About:

A common native rainforest vine, known for its adaptability, can also thrive in swampy conditions. Supplejack is a unique climbing liana, distinguished by its hard yet flexible stems that provide both strength and resilience. It begins its life as a sappy stem that actively searches for a supportive structure. Once it successfully locates a nearby shrub or tree to cling onto, it grows upwards in pursuit of sunlight, which is essential for its development. As it ascends, it then develops an array of branches and leaves that enhance its photosynthetic capabilities. During the warm summer months, supplejack tips can remarkably grow up to 5cm a day, allowing the plant to ascend high into the lush canopy of the forest, where it can thrive in the abundant sunlight.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. Usually in forest but occasionally in swamps (where it sprawls through flax and fern), and common in karst country where it often grows in doline, tomo and cave entrances.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands

Height: 6m

Flowering:

October – May with a green or yellow coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

Throughout the year bearing clusters of red berries.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh fruit. Does best when planted in a moist soil within a shade site in a place where the vines can grown up into the sun.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though