Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Strongylodon siderospermum
Local name: Rouge de Réunion / Liane Cadoque
Origin: Réunion
This incredibly beautiful and rare climbing plant originates from Réunion island, which lies a few hundred kilometers east of Madagascar. The orange-red clusters of flowers can be up to 40 cm long and are beautiful . In the Hortus of Leiden (Netherlands) there grows a turquoise species, Strongylodon macrobotrys (Jade vine), however this red species is just as spectacular. It is a tropical plant which can only grow in a heated greenhouse or a large living room with plenty of light, where it can grow to 10 meters high.
Sowing description: Scarify the seeds till a colour difference is seen. Then soak the seeds for 24-48 hours in luke warm water and afterwards sow in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist and cover the pot with plastic foil or glass. Germinate in a warm spot.
Sowing time: Year round
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 15 degrees Celsius
