Family: Apocynaceae
Common name: Spiral-vined silkpod, Penalivalli, Peenarivalli, Ezhuthani, Kudichikodi, Valiya palvalli
Spiral-vined silkpod is a unique climber seen in the wild in tropical and subtropical countries of India and Australia. Their spirally twined stems and hairy seeds make them easily identifiable.
Plant Characteristics
Spiral-vined Silkpod plants can grow to a height of up to 10 meters climbing on supporting structures or surrounding vegetation. If they get a good tree to climb on, these plants can become tall very quickly, encircling the trunk with their thick, rope-like stems.
The stem is rough and woody towards the base, green and flexible towards the top where they twine spirally on supporting structures.
Leaves of the Spiral-vine Silkpod are bright green and simple with a smooth margin, also glossy and leathery to touch. Leaves are evergreen keeping the plant lush and beautiful throughout the year.
Flowers of Spiral-vined Silkpod are small, cream white or yellow, arranged in small clusters. Each flower is 2-3 cm in diameter with five petals, a tubular structure with petals fused in the center. Flowering happens during spring, the large number of flowers attracts bees, butterflies, and insects to the garden.
After pollination, the plant produces elongated cylindrical fruits that are 10-12 cm long. These seedpods are initially green, later turning brown and black as they mature. Once the seeds inside are mature, the seedpods break open to release them.
Seeds are 4-5 cm long including the tuft of hairs or coma that distinguishes it. The actual seed is black, about 1-2 cm long, thick, long, and flat. The white tuft of hairs helps the seed travel long distances in the wind, germinating in other areas.
Kids often play with these seeds, blowing them to make them fly short distances before they come down again. Once the seedpods split open, they curl up into a spiral shape.
Growing Tips
Spiral-vined Silkpods grow well in full sunlight or partial shade of large trees, and they need a warm, humid environment. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. They can tolerate some amount of water logging, and salinity in the soil.
These plants grow in the wild and need very little care and attention. They do not need watering, fertilization, or pruning.
Their fast-growing nature and climbing habit makes them dangerous to the surrounding vegetation that can get choked when the Spiral-vined Silkpod plants grow and cover them.
Though they are invasive, they can be removed quickly, by hand plucking before the vines flower and produced fruits.
Uses of Spiral-vined Silkpod
These plants are not usually grown in gardens because they do not have noticeable flowers or foliage. They grow in the wild, in open areas, or in wetlands near water sources. The seeds are spread over long distances very quickly, and hence these plants are considered invasive weeds.
Their abundant flowers provide nectar for pollinating insects, and their thick foliage can give shade and shelter for small animals.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sowed in moist, well-draining soil to germinate in 1-2 weeks. 10-15 cm long stem cuttings that contain nodes can root well in soil.
Photographed at: Koonammavu, Kerala.
