Gynochthodes jasminoides
sweet morinda
Overview
Gynochthodes jasminoides is an evergreen woody climber reaching 10-20 feet (3-6 m) or more, twining through surrounding vegetation. Stems are slender and become woody with age. Leaves are opposite, glossy dark green, elliptic to lance-shaped, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with prominent veins. Fragrant white to cream flowers about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across are tubular with spreading lobes and are borne in small clusters; the scent resembles jasmine. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer. The fruit is a fleshy compound structure formed from fused flowers, ripening from green to orange or red, 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) across. Growth is moderate to fast in warm, humid conditions. The plant grows in rainforest and moist forest margins and needs a support to climb. It tolerates shade but flowers more in dappled light, and it is sensitive to hard frost and prolonged dry conditions.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to eastern Victoria. Grows in rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, and moist gullies, climbing over shrubs and trees at low to moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Used on trellises, fences, and pergolas in warm, sheltered gardens and in rainforest plantings, spaced 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) apart. The fragrant flowers and orange fruit suit screening and habitat plantings. It needs a support and ample moisture, which limits its use in dry or exposed sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 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
Grows in dappled shade to part sun in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils with a support to climb. Water regularly during establishment and in dry spells, as the plant is sensitive to prolonged drought. Mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. The plant is frost-sensitive when young and grows slowly in cold conditions. Few pests affect it. Stems can be tied to a trellis or allowed to scramble through shrubs.Pruning
Prune after flowering to control size and direct growth on a support. The plant tolerates cutting back and reshoots from woody stems. Remove tangled or dead stems to maintain airflow.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons