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Berchemia spp.
supplejack
Asia, Africa, and southeastern North America
Overview
Berchemia is a genus of about 20 to 30 species of woody climbing vines and scrambling shrubs in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), distributed across eastern and southern Asia, Africa, and North America. The North American species Berchemia scandens, known as Alabama supplejack or rattan vine, is the most familiar in cultivation references. Plants climb by twining, with smooth, flexible, blue-green to greenish stems that can reach 15-40 feet (4.5-12 m) into supporting trees. The leaves are alternate, ovate, glossy, and marked by closely spaced, parallel lateral veins that give the foliage a ribbed appearance. Small greenish-white flowers appear in clusters in late spring and summer, followed by fleshy drupes that ripen from green through red to blue-black, each about 0.25-0.3 inch (6-8 mm) long. The fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals. Berchemia grows in moist woodlands, stream banks, and thickets, and the tough stems were historically used in basketry and wickerwork. In gardens the vigorous twining habit can overwhelm small supports and nearby shrubs if left unmanaged.
Native Range
Species occur across eastern and southern Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and southeastern North America. Berchemia scandens ranges through the southeastern United States in bottomland forests, swamp margins, and along stream banks.Suggested Uses
Grown on sturdy fences, pergolas, and trellises where a vigorous deciduous climber is wanted, and in naturalistic or wildlife plantings for its bird-attracting fruit. The pliable stems are used in basketry and rustic craft work.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 40'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Berchemia grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile soils, and tolerates seasonal flooding along stream banks. Established vines withstand short dry periods but grow most strongly with consistent moisture. The twining stems need sturdy supports such as fences or mature trees. Pruning controls spread, as unmanaged plants climb high into tree canopies. Propagation is by seed, which benefits from cleaning and cool stratification, or by semi-hardwood cuttings.Pruning
Pruning is done in late winter while plants are dormant, to limit size and clear tangled or dead stems. Vigorous regrowth follows hard cutting, so the vines tolerate renewal pruning back to a framework on their support.Pruning Schedule
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F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
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winter