Supple Jack

Ripogonum scandens

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.

Distribution

New Zealand.

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].

Medicinal Uses

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

Known Hazards

None known