Jade Vine, Emerald Creeper
Strongylodon macrobotrys

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tall tree climber. They can grow to 20 m high. The leaves are 15 cm long. The leaves are widely scattered and with 3 leaflets. They are on 5 to 8 cm long leaf stalks. The leaflets pinkish bronze and are paler underneath. The leaves change to rich green. The flower cluster is made up of flowers on short stalks along a central stem. These stalks can be 40-90 cm long. The flowers are pea-like and blue-green. They are 8 cm long. The pods are hard, fleshy and green. They have few seeds and do not split open. They are 10 cm long and shaped like a mango.

There are (4) 12-20 Strongylodon species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They need a temperature above 15°C. They occur from Cagayan, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Mindoro in the Philippines. Plants are frost tender. It does best in seasonally moist and dry climates. It needs a reasonably fertile and well-drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It suits hardiness zones 11-12. In Adelaide Botanical Gardens hot house. In Townsville Queens BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Malaysia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines (country/location of origin), SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Triniada-Tobago, USA

How it is used for food

The young flowers are eaten in salad.

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed sown into warm soil. Plants can also be grown from cuttings. Aerial layering is also possible.

Plants grown from seed flower in the third year.

Its other names

Local names

Cascada de jade

Synonyms

Strongylodon megaphyllus Merr.; Strongylodon warburgii Perkins;