Common Name:

General Information

Boquila trifoliolata is an evergreen climbing shrub with stems around 6 metres long. It climbs into the surrounding vegetation, supporting itself by twining[].
The lant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - central Chile, western Argentina

Habitat

Evergreen to semi-deciduous forests; at elevations from 100 - 600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Flies, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Boquila trifoliolata is native to the warm temperate regions of central Chile and western Argentina, where it can often experience snow for up to 2 weeks a year. It is not, however, a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -8°c when fully dormant[, ]. Rainfall generally occurs all year round, sometimes with short dry spells of up to 4 weeks[].
Prefers a position in semi-shade, preferring a moist, humus-rich soil[]. Plants are often found in deep shade in the wild and is also sometimes found growing in shallow water such as bogs, marshes and river banks[].
A dioecious species, both male and female plants are needed to produce the small but edible fruit[]

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is used to treat eye infections[].

Other Uses

The stems are used as tying materials and are a source of cordage[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe when it usually germinates readily[]. Germination rates are generally 60 - 80%[].
Cuttings of fairly mature wood taken in the summer and rooted in a cold frame[].