Supple Jack
Ripogonum scandens
Family: Smilacaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Lowland podocarp and broad-leaved forests on North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. It is rich in starch. The root is very fibrous and is used as a flavouring for beer. Fruit - raw or cooked. Dry and uninteresting. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. Young shoots - cooked. They taste like fresh green beans. Sap. It is obtained by blowing it out of short cut sections of the stem.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antirheumatic, skin, stomachic, vulnerary. The burnt stems and sap are used to cauterize wounds.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
The stems are used in basket making and also to make rope ladders. The stems are strong enough to be used as they are to make a rope.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
String: Plants that can be used for string or can be easily made into a string. See also Fibre. Plants for ropes may be included.
How it is grown
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.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist