INTRODUCTION

This climber is one of the most common ones in Chile and also one of the most interesting in terms of its resistence and the adaptability - it manages to grow in very different environmental conditions, grows very fast (it is the fastest native climber plant), and due to the form of its leaves is also quite attractive.

Image of Muehlenbeckia hastulata

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Altos del Lircay, Chile
Altitude: 1400-2200 m. 01 18, 2006

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Shrub
Climber

Flower: Green, 5 petals

Height: 5 m.

Image of Muehlenbeckia hastulata

Region Metropolitana, La Florida, Chile
Altitude: 850 m. 07 05, 2006

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

Habitat according to altitude:

High altitude close to the timber line
Medium altitude up to the timber line
Low altitude, interior valleys
Coastal mountains, 500 - 2000 m.

Watering conditions:

Humid areas, with almost constant rainfall. Short dry periods are possible (generally not longer than 1 month).
Somewhat dry areas where the drought may last 3 - 5 months. Precipitations of 400 - 800 mm. are concentrated in winter.

Light conditions:

Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.
Some shadow. Some protection against direct sunlight, some shadow from vegetation, filtering about 20 - 40 % of light.

This climber grows everywhere and in very different condiitions, it is commonly found in areas where the temperatures reaches + 35 º C or goes as low as -15º C, with precipitation levels between 200 mm and 3000 mm, and elevations between 0 m up to2500 m.

Image of Muehlenbeckia hastulata

V Region, Pichidangui, Chile
Altitude: 0-50 m. 05 28, 2006

USES

Good ornamental value (A)

Useful properties:

Medicinal
Edible plant

Image of Muehlenbeckia hastulata

V Region, Pichidangui, Chile
Altitude: 0-50 m. 05 28, 2006

GROWING TIPS

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 7, even 6b. The plant tolerates low temperatures (-15° C even -20° C), it can be covered by snow for months (1 - 8 months).

Very easy to cultivate

If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop.

More photos (20) of Muehlenbeckia hastulata (J.E. Sm.) I.M.Johnst. available here

More species from the same Polygalaceae family in our data base:

Muehlenbeckia hastulata (Quilo / Voqui negro / Molleca)

Polygala gnidiodes? (Quelen-quelen)

Polygala gnidioides

Polygala salasiana

Polygala solieri

Polygalaceae sp. #2174

Polygalaceae sp. #2399

Polygalaceae sp. #K8441

Pteromonnina linearifolia

Pteromonnina pterocarpa (Monina / Agua-rica)

Pteromonnina sp. #0984

Unidentified Plant sp. #2432