Strongylodon macrobotrys A. Gray 1854, commonly called Jade Vine, Jade Climber, Emerald Creeper or Flor-de-Jade, is a tropical vine, native to the rainforests of the Philippines. Through the destruction of the rainforests this plant species is threatened in the wild. The bright turquoise colored flowers look artificial and unreal. A few years ago, we found flowers on the floor in our tropical garden and thought somebody was littering plastic flowers in our garden, until we discovered this strange looking plant in the trees. The jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) can reach a length up to about 18 meters and the impressive inflorescences can get a length up to 3 meters. In the wild, the jade vine is pollinated by bats and attractive for bees, butterflies and birds. The Jade Vine requires warm - hot temperatures and a location in full sun to partial shade.

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), inflorescence
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), flower buds
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee