Strongylodon macrobotrys (jade vine, "Hisuikazura")

Japanese name: ヒスイカズラ （翡翠葛）
Scientific name: Strongylodon macrobotrys

[Overview]
A large evergreen woody climber.
The vines are tough, about 2.5 cm in diameter, and reach 15–20 m in length.
Native to the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, where it climbs to the tops of tall trees in search of sunlight.
The leaves are alternate and consist of 3 leaflets; the leaflets are ovate to oblong, 7.5–12 cm long, pointed at the tip, with entire margins.
Young leaves are tinged reddish brown.
In Japan it blooms in spring to early summer.
Racemes 60–100 cm long hang down from the leaf axils, bearing 75 or more jade-colored flowers.
The flowers are claw-shaped pea-type flowers about 7.5 cm long; the standard is reflexed and narrow at the tip, the wings are elliptical, and the keel projects long, curving upward and tapering to a beak-like point.
The calyx is tinged bluish purple.
The fruit is an elliptical to cylindrical pod 10–15 cm long, containing several large seeds, and does not split open even when ripe.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by layering or cuttings.
It can also be grown from seed.
It is not cold-hardy and is sensitive to frost, so keep it at 10–15°C or higher over winter.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, moisture-retentive, fertile soil that is acidic to neutral.
In summer, avoid strong direct sunlight; it may be placed in partial shade.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; keep it on the dry side in winter.
In early summer to early autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
Pests include aphids and spider mites.

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