[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Tetrastigma is a genus of evergreen, woody-stemmed, tendril climbers in the grape family Vitaceae, comprising about 90 species. It can be found in tropical and subtropical rainforests of Asia and Australia. Species of this genus are the sole hosts of the parasitic plants in the family Rafflesiaceae, in which one of the species, Rafflesia arnoldii produces the largest flower in the world.
Tetrastigma voinierianum, 10 m tall or more, is the best-known cultivated species and the giant of genus Tetrastigma. It is commonly known as Chestnut Vine and Lizard plant. It is a strong-growing , evergreen, woody-stemmed , tendril climber that bears leaves that are more than 30 cm across when mature. Young plants and leaves are rust-colored and hairy. The three to five leaflets which made up of each leaf are glossy and saw-edged. The upper surface is green and glossy, the underside is covered in brownish hairs. The plant is rarely flowers.
Tetrastigma is grown for its beautiful leaves. It grows in fertile, well-drained soil, with shade in summer. Water-freely while the plant is in active growth, and less in low temperatures. Provide stems with support and trim out crowded stems in spring. Propagation is by layering in spring, and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
