Supple Jack
Ripogonum scandens
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Pl. 0FA9 — Ripogonum scandens
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IOverview
Overview
Supple Jack, scientifically known as Ripogonum scandens, is a climbing plant native to the Chatham Islands and various regions of New Zealand. This light-loving species thrives in moist environments with well-drained soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and is hardy in zones 9-11. Supple Jack is valued for its edible parts, which include the fruit, leaves, roots, sap, and shoots. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to climb and cover large areas, making it an ornamental addition to gardens while also providing sustenance.
Quick answers
What is Supple Jack?
Supple Jack, scientifically known as Ripogonum scandens, is a climbing plant native to the Chatham Islands and various regions of New Zealand. This light-loving species thrives in moist environments with well-drained soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Supple Jack thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 9-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. The plant can reach a height of 10 meters and produces edible fruit, leaves, roots, sap, and shoots. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to support its growth.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Supple Jack for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Supple Jack.
- 1
What you'll need
A container or garden bed, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy clay soils. Ensure good drainage if using containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting them outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide partial shade to avoid sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide light to medium shade and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead growth. Harvest leaves and shoots as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesRootSapShoots
Edible uses: The supple jack is edible and its various parts are utilized in different ways. The fruit, leaves, roots, sap, and shoots can all be consumed. Typically, the fruit is eaten raw or used in fresh preparations. Leaves and shoots may be added to salads or cooked as a vegetable. Roots and sap are sometimes prepared into teas or other infused drinks.
Other uses:Weaving material
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 3 native
Broader regions
native:Chatham Is., New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0fa9d308-7f3b-4ebb-b146-f441ade8afbe
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