Kadsura (Kadsura coccinea "Purple") | seeds, 5 pcs.

VERY RARE

• Latin name: Kadsura coccinea "Purple"
• Danish names: Kadsura, climbing kadsura (unofficial)
• English names: Kadsura vine, purple kadsura

- NOTE: FRESH seeds

Kadsura coccinea is a rare and highly decorative climbing plant from Southeast Asia, where it grows in humid forest areas in countries including China, Vietnam, and Laos. The ‘Purple’ variant differs from the more common form in its darker, purple flowers and often more deeply saturated tones in both flowers and fruits, giving the plant a more dramatic and exotic appearance. Kadsura coccinea is also available in other color forms – see also Kadsura coccinea ‘Green’ and Kadsura coccinea ‘Red’, which differ in flower color and expression but share the same basic cultivation requirements.

The plant is evergreen to semi-evergreen and produces long, twining shoots with glossy, leathery leaves. The flowers are unusual and almost magnolia-like in form, and after pollination, the characteristic compound fruits develop, which can resemble small, red to purple pinecones. In its native region, the fruits are known as “five-flavor fruit”, as they are said to contain sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and pungent notes in one and the same fruit.

Cultivation and requirements

Kadsura coccinea ‘Purple’ thrives best in a bright location with light shade, preferably with protection from the harshest midday sun. It prefers:

• humus-rich, well-drained, and moisture-retentive soil
• consistent watering during the growing season
• shelter and support in the form of a trellis, pergola, or other climbing aid

The species is not fully hardy. In Denmark, it is best grown as a potted plant or in very sheltered microclimates. It can be kept outdoors during the summer months but should be overwintered in a bright, frost-free location. The temperature should preferably be kept above 5–8 °C, especially for young plants.

Cultivation from seed

The seeds should be sown in a light, humus-rich, and well-drained soil mix and covered lightly. A brief soaking in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours can improve germination.

The seeds germinate best at 20–25 °C, and germination can be irregular and take several weeks. Young plants grow slowly at first and spend time establishing their root system before the actual climbing growth picks up. Patience is rewarded with a very unusual and decorative plant.

Utility and collector value

Kadsura coccinea has a long tradition of use in Asian folk medicine, where the fruits and stems are particularly utilized. The fruits are edible but have a complex and potent flavor and are most often used for their medicinal properties rather than as fresh fruit.

As a plant, Kadsura coccinea ‘Purple’ is especially interesting for collectors of rare climbing plants and exotic fruit plants. The combination of dark flowers, glossy foliage, and unusual fruits makes it a very special addition to any collection.

Kadsura coccinea ‘Purple’ is an obvious choice for the patient plant enthusiast who wishes to grow a rare, botanically exciting, and visually striking climbing plant entirely from seed.