Hawaiian Woodrose
Merremia tuberosa
The Hawai’ian Woodrose is a woody climbing vine that has attractive palmate leaves and beautiful large yellow flowers.In colder climates the hawaiian woodrose acts as a herbceous vine. Once the flowers become pollinated (usually by bees or beetles) the petals fall off and only the hard woody sepal is left behind. This bears a striking resemblance to a brown wooden rose and is where the name comes from.
Originally from India but has been naturalized in Hawai’i for so long that it is more commonly known for as a Hawai’ian plant than an Indian. It can be seen almost completely covering roadside trees in any area with high rainfall.
Germination tips:
A slight nick should be made away from the germ eye. Then soak the seeds in warm water for approximately 24 hours, or at least overnight. Placing a aquarium air stone or hydroponic recirculator in with the seeds will help increase germination and prevent rot if the seeds are accidentally left in the water for too long. If done properly, the seeds swell. Now you may place them in the ground or in soilless potting media.
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