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Mucuna bennettii
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Common Name: | New Guinea Creeper, Red Jade Vine |
Mucuna bennettii commonly known as the New Guinea Creeper is a large climber from the Legume family. With oval-shaped leaflets and striking fiery-red cascading clusters of flowers in the shape of hooks, this fast-growing climber flourishes in the tropics. The New Guinea Creeper tends to grow with increased vivacity as it matures and covers more ground, producing an abundance of vibrant red flowers!
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Weeping / Pendulous |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | New Guinea |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A large woody climber. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Glossy green, trifoliate. Leaflets are ovate in shape. Leaves are alternately arranged along the stem. |
| Flowers | Cascading clusters of bright red flowers in raceme inflorescence. |
| Cultivation | Ensure roots are in shade. Plant eventually grows to a big climber, therefore requires large space to spread. |
| Etymology | The genus Mucuna is the Brazilian vernacular name for cow-itch, which is Mucuna pruriens. The specific epithet bennettii is named after A.W. Bennett, a British botanist. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | Plant produces beautiful clusters of bright red-orange flowers, suitable for pergola and can be trained to climb large trees. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
| Landscape Uses | Trellis / Arbour / Pergola, Container Planting |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Papery |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Compound (Trifoliate) |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth, Waxy |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Papilionaceous / Pea-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 161 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1457 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
