Ripogonum scandens
Ripogonum scandens J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Ripogonum scandens is a climbing forest vine in the family Ripogonaceae, native to New Zealand. It is found on the North and South Islands and some offshore islands, including the Chatham Islands. The plant produces red, globe-shaped fruits that are consumed and dispersed by birds. These fruits and new vine shoots are edible.
Description
Ripogonum scandens, known as supplejack and kareao, is a climbing vine native to New Zealand. It belongs to the genus Ripogonum and is part of the Ripogonaceae family. The species is distributed across the North and South Islands, as well as the Chatham Islands. Its fruits are red, globe-shaped, and hang from oppositely arranged leaves. These fruits, along with the new shoots at the ends of the vines, are edible. Birds play a key role in the dispersal of the plant's seeds through consumption of the fruits.
Distribution
Chatham Is. · New Zealand North · New Zealand South
Synonyms
Ripogonum parviflorumSmilax ripogonum
