Flowering time in summer
the conditionally hardy Jiaogulan plants overwinter outdoors only as a rhizome, while the above-ground parts of the plant die off. As soon as the weather gets warmer in spring, all the power is concentrated on the new growth of green tendrils. The flowers have to wait until the time comes for them too. That is only the case in July and August. So we are dealing with a summer bloomer.
also read
- Are Jiaogulan Berries Edible and Healthy?
- Jiaogulan leaves curl up - what is wrong with the plant?
- Planting Jiaogulan - you should pay attention to these points!
Specimens that are brightly wintered in the house keep their tendrils, but let the winter pass by without any flowers. They too have their main flowering time in summer.
Number and size of the flowers
A partially shaded location, united with optimal care, elicits numerous flowers from the Jiaogulan plant. But even though they appear in large numbers, they still fail to become the main attraction.
- the flowers appear on panicles
- the inflorescences droop
- they can be up to 30 cm long
- each flower is approx. 3 mm but very small
Unobtrusive beauty
A green and white color is added to the mini size. As a result, the flowers can hardly stand out in contrast to the equally green leaves. As a result, they are hardly noticeable. Viewed from a distance, they are “not there”; only when you get closer do you become aware of them.
Anyone who takes the effort to look carefully at the flowers will notice their unobtrusive, simple beauty. Each individual flower is shaped like a star. This also makes it clear that Jiaogulan comes from the cucurbit family.
Male and female plants
Jiaogulan, with the botanical name Gynostemma pentaphyllum, can grow as either a male or female plant. In botany this is called dioeciousness. This means that a specimen has only female or only male flowers.
In order for female flowers to be fertilized, there must therefore be a male-flowering plant in the vicinity. Round berries emerge from this union after they have faded. The black fruits with approx. 8 mm in diameter are only found on the female plant.
the Berries are edible, however, have no meaning in medicine, as is the case with the content-rich sheets.
