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Description
Entada Polystachya, commonly known as the monkey ladder or sea heart, is a large woody vine that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The plant is known for its massive seed pods, which can grow up to 6 feet in length and 1 foot in width. The seeds inside the pods are often used for jewelry and other decorative purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Entada |
Appearance
The Entada Polystachya plant can grow up to 100 feet in length and has a thick, woody stem. The leaves are large, leathery, and can grow up to 3 feet in length. The flowers are white or pink and grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. The seed pods are the most distinctive feature of the plant and can reach up to 6 feet in length and 1 foot in width. The seeds inside the pods are large and flat, measuring up to 4 inches in diameter.
Care Guide
Water: The Entada Polystachya plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.Soil: The Entada Polystachya plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly.Hardiness Zones: The Entada Polystachya plant is hardy in USDA Zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Entada Polystachya plant is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. It is also prone to fungal infections if the soil is too moist.
Habitat
The Entada Polystachya plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, mangrove swamps, and rainforests.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the seeds of the Entada Polystachya plant be eaten?
A: No, the seeds of the Entada Polystachya plant are not edible.
Q: How long does it take for the seed pods to mature?
A: It can take up to 2 years for the seed pods of the Entada Polystachya plant to mature.
Q: Is the Entada Polystachya plant toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that the Entada Polystachya plant is toxic to pets.
Q: Can the Entada Polystachya plant be grown indoors?
A: The Entada Polystachya plant is not recommended for indoor cultivation as it requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Related Plants
- Entada Gigas
- Entada Phaseoloides
- Entada Rheedei
- Entada Africana
References
- “Entada Polystachya.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c367.
- “Entada Polystachya.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:115263-1.
- “Entada Polystachya.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-976.
