Botanical Name: Vigna caracalla (Phaseolus gigantea)
Common Name: Snail Vine Type of Plant: dicot: vine Character deciduous Habit of Growth: Overall Shape a fast-growing, climbing plant - in mild climate areas becomes woody and vinelike with age; plant climbs by twining (like pole beans); dies back to ground in colder areas Height 10' - 20' Spread equal or more Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors full sun to partial shade; best in coastal areas Soil prefers moist, rich soils; tolerates heavy wet soil locations Hardiness tender (zones 12-24): avoid shaded or cold habitats Morphology: Leaves trifoliate, alternate, dark green; leaflets ovate, 1"-2" long, deeply furrowed on upper surface Flowers unusual shaped, pale purple - blue, 2" across, in loose open clusters; twisted "keel" petal has coiled shape; Spring Fruit if developed, an elongate pod 6" - 12" Propagation: semi-hardwood cuttings or seed Usage: fast-growing fence or bank cover, attractive during spring/early summer for its heavy display of the pale bluish-purple flowers Landscape Care: Watering regular preferred - tolerates heavy; dies back to ground if drought-stressed Fertilizing balanced, in early spring; supplement during summer if plant receives heavy irrigation Pruning head back close to ground during dormant season Pests/Diseases relatively free; whitefly in shaded or very humid locations Special Conditions/Other Origin: Southeast Asia Family: Fabaceae Notes: |
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