Jade vine

A vigorous evergreen climber growing in the Rainforest Biome

By Eden Project

Eden Project

Jade vine, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project

This endangered plant grows only in the damp riverine rainforests of the Phillipines. The hanging collections of its flowers grow up 90cm long, and their bright colour attracts pollinating bats at twilight. 

Jade vine, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project

The bat hangs upside down and drinks the nectar from the flowers while brushing the top of their heads against the pollen. That pollen is then left on the female part of the next flower the bat visits, and pollination takes place. 

Jade vine, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project

If the pollination is successful, the plant produces fruit that grows up to the size of a melon. At Eden our horticulturists mimic the action of the bat's head with their hands in order to pollinate our jade vine.

Jade vine, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project

Watch the video to get close to a rare jade vine growing in the Eden Project's Rainforest Biome.

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