When the flowers of the herb of immortality appear in summer, a new owner may be astonished. Because they are small, inconspicuous and pale green in color. But at second glance you can definitely grow fond of them!
When does the Jiaogulan bloom and what do the flowers look like?
The flowering period of Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is in summer, mainly in July and August. The small, green-white flowers appear on panicles and measure about 3 mm in diameter. Jiaogulan plants are dioecious, meaning they have either male or female flowers.
Flowering time in summer
The conditionally hardy Jiaogulan plants only overwinter outdoors as rhizomes, while the above-ground parts of the plant die. As soon as the weather gets warmer in spring, all energy is concentrated on the new growth of green tendrils. The flowers still have to be patient until the time has come for them too. This is only the case in July and August. So we are dealing with a summer bloomer here.
Specimens that have overwintered brightly indoors retain their tendrils, but let the winter pass without flowers. They also have their main flowering time in summer.
Number and size of flowers
A partially shaded location, combined with optimal care, produces numerous flowers from the Jiaogulan plant. But even though they appear in large numbers, they still fail to become the main attraction.
- the flowers appear on panicles
- the inflorescences hang down
- they can grow up to 30 cm long
- each flower is very small at approx. 3 mm
Understated beauty
A green and white color is added to the mini size. This means that the flowers can hardly stand out in contrast to the equally green leaves. As a result, they are hardly noticeable. Seen from a distance, they are “not there”, you only become aware of them when you get closer.
Anyone who takes the trouble to look at the flowers carefully will notice their unobtrusive, simple beauty. Each individual flower is shaped like a star. This also makes it clear that Jiaogulan comes from the pumpkin family.
Male and female plants
Jiaogulan, with the botanical name Gynostemma pentaphyllum, can grow as either a male or female plant. In botany this is called dioecy. This means that a specimen only bears female or male flowers.
In order for female flowers to be fertilized, there must be a male-flowered plant in the area. After flowering, spherical berries emerge from this union. The black fruits with a diameter of approx. 8 mm only form on the female plant.
The berries are edible, but have no significance in medicine, as is the case with the rich leaves.
