Strongylodon macrobotrys

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Strongylodon

Common Name: Tayabak; Jade Vine

Endemicity: endemic to the tropical forests of the Philippines

Distribution: Philippine islands of Luzon, Mindoro and Catanduanes

Conservation Status: Independently assessed as Vulnerable (VU) according to IUCN Red List criteria

Info: Strongylodon macrobotrys is commonly known as jade vine, due to its striking blue-green flowers.

With its long cascading translucent jade-green flowers beneath a canopy of pale green foliage, jade vine
is one of the most beautiful and elegant of all tropical climbers.

Vegetative structures:

Stem: A woody vine with stems which can grow up to 18 m long. The stem has grey, smooth bark.

Foliage: Light green leaves are trifoliate, consisting of 3 oblong leaflets (leaves 25 cm long, leaflets 8 - 13
cm long).

Flowers/Inflorescence: The flowers are in pendent trusses (pseudoracemes) up to 3 m long, comprising

many luminous blue-green flowers measuring up to 6 cm across. The flowers show modifications
associated with pollination by bats. Flowers are papilionaceous, each resembling a butterfly with closed
wings.

Fruits: Fruit is a fleshy oblong or round pod (5 - 15 cm long) that has a short curly beak at the apex. It
contains up to 12 light brown, oblong seeds.

Economic Importance

Jade Vines are sold commercially for decoration. Many botanists or people who own botanical gardens
are quick to purchase a Jade to add unique color and variety to their collections.