Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Description

Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, commonly known as jiaogulan or the “immortality herb”, is a vigorous, climbing herbaceous perennial belonging to the cucumber family. It produces slender, twining stems bearing palmate leaves typically divided into five leaflets, from which its species name is derived. Given suitable support, such as a trellis or obelisk, it can reach heights of 2-4m in a single growing season, making it a useful choice for quickly covering fences or screens.

Inconspicuous, small greenish-white flowers appear in late summer, followed by small, pea-sized fruits on female plants where a male is present for pollination.

Cultivation is straightforward: grow in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with full sun or partial shade. It benefits from a sturdy support to climb and regular watering during dry spells. Though not fully hardy it will usually die back in winter and re-shoot from the rootstock in spring, especially with a protective mulch.

It has many medicinal properties (consult a qualified person before using!)