Common Name: Cruel Plant

General Information

Araujia sericifera is an evergreen climbing shrub producing vigorous, twining stems up to 12 metres long[].
The plant yields a strong fibre that is sometimes used for making textiles.
The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental and has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in many areas of the tropics and subtropics[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America - Brazil and Peru. Naturalized in S.W. Europe

Habitat

Sandy sea shores in S.W. Europe[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropics, it can be grown outdoors in the milder regions of the temperate zone.. Mature plants can tolerate some frost, but the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Prefers a good loamy soil but succeeds in any fertile soil[, ]. Requires a sunny position[].
A very vigorous twining plant when growing in a suitable position[, ].
The flowers have a very strong scent that can be offensive if approached too closely[]. This scent attracts night-flying moths who are seeking nectar, but the flowers are designed in such a way as to trap the moths by their tongues until morning when those who have survived the ordeal can escape[, ].
Plants produce fruit when growing on a wall at Glendurgan gardens in Cornwall[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - after preparation[]. No further details are given but the fruit is a long grooved pod 12.5 x 7.5cm, tapering to a fascicle of hairs 2.5cm long[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A strong fibre obtained from stems can be used in making textiles[, ].

The cotton is used in the same manner as that from several species of Bomhax. (Cotton plants)[]. This implies that it is the floss from the seed pods that is the source of fibre[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed can be sown at any time of the year if the greenhouse is heated[]. Germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 20°c according to one report whilst another says that it takes 1 - 6 months at 25°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, late autumn in a frame[].