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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
very humid,
extremely humid
Propagation :
cuttings, layer
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
+6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
climbers
Height
:
0.4 m-3 m
Spread
:
0.6 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
light green
Size
:
2 cm
Period
:
May - September
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
5 cm
Native to tropical South America, the Arrowhead Vine is a lush plant for a private garden in
Arriyadh that has a suitable microclimate. A perennial, evergreen, climbing plant attaining about
1.5 metres, it is more often seen as a creeping groundcover than a climber in a tropical garden.
The attractive, patterned leaves are alternate, simple, arrow-shaped and often mottled; deep-olive-
green leaves have prominent white veins. Numerous cultivars have been developed that vary in
size, shape and colour, and the foliage of some of them is somewhat cream-coloured with green
edges. Young leaves, divided into three, deep-cut lobes, are rounded at the tips and up to 15
cm long. When older, they can be up to 25 cm long and are divided into more segments. The
flowers bloom on an elongated whitish spike. Syngonium requires moist, fertile, garden soil and
a minimum winter temperature of 16°C. The plants also require high humidity, meaning that
misting the leaves regularly, as well as protection from cold weather, is necessary in Arriyadh.
They need strong but not direct sunlight, and abundant water from spring to autumn, with less
in winter. Fertilising improves growth in spring and summer. Propagation is by cuttings or air
layering. Syngonium species are often grown as house plants; they are also good container plants
on patios. Climbing stems can be pruned away and the plant will become bushier and the leaves
more attractive. The Arrowhead Vine is a high-maintenance plant requiring special attention for
it to be grown in Arriyadh.
289
Syngonium podophyllum,
Araceae
Arrowhead Vine