Marcus, Joseph A.
Berchemia scandens (Hill) K. Koch
Alabama supple-jack, Alabama supplejack, Rattan-vine
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
A climbing
vine with distinctive smooth, green
bark on stems as much as 1 inch in diameter. Climbing into trees in wooded ravines and narrow canyons. Leaves from 1 to 2 1/2 inches long, with prominent veins branching from the
midrib, ovate to elliptical with smooth or slightly wavy margins and a rounded or pointed tip. Flowers small, less than 1/8 inch wide, in elongate, open clusters on short lateral branchlets, appearing in April and May.
Fruit small fleshy, blue black, longer than wide and slightly flattened.
The Rattan
Vine is a member of the buckthorn family (family Rhamnaceae) which includes shrubs, trees, and vines, usually with small flowers in clusters.
Image Gallery:
5 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , KY , LA , MD , MS , MO , NC , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA
Native Habitat: Forest or natural area in open woods, along stream banks.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Fruits eaten by wild turkey, northern bobwhite, raccoon and gray squirrel.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Last Update: 2007-08-31
