When the flowers of the herb of immortality appear in summer, a new owner may be amazed. Because they are small, inconspicuous and pale green in color. But at second glance, you can definitely fall in love with them!
The flower of the immortality herb is very inconspicuous
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 energy is concentrated on the new growth of green tendrils. The flowers still have to be patient until the time has come for them too. This is only the case in July and August. So we are dealing with a summer bloomer here.
Specimens that winter brightly indoors retain their tendrils, but let the winter pass without flowers. They also have their main flowering period in summer.
Number and size of the flowers
A semi-shady location, combined with optimal care, elicits numerous flowers from the Jiaogulan plant. However, although they appear in large numbers, they still fail to become the main attraction.
- the flowers appear on panicles
- the inflorescences hang down
- they can grow up to 30 cm long
- however, each flower is very small at around 3 mm
Unassuming beauty
A green-white coloring is added to the mini size. As a result, the flowers can hardly stand out from the equally green leaves. As a result, they are hardly noticeable. Seen from afar, they are “not there”, only when you get closer do you become aware of them.
Anyone who takes the trouble to look carefully at the flowers will appreciate their unobtrusive, simple beauty. Each individual flower is shaped like a star. This also makes it clear that Jiaogulan comes from the gourd 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 be a male flowering plant in the vicinity. This union produces spherical berries after they have withered. The black fruits with a diameter of approx. 8 mm are only formed on the female plant.
The berries are edible, but have no medicinal value like the rich leaves.