Stephania japonica

Stephania perrieri

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Stephania perrieri, commonly referred to as Climbing Rock Plant, is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. It is a tender perennial adapted to USDA Zone: 10 and can be grown as a vine or creeper. It is a hardy, slow-growing plant that is most comfortable in regions of high humidity and temperatures ranging from 70F-85F.

Climbing Rock Plant possesses a single caudex surrounded by stems that have perennial clumping qualities. The leaves of this plant are obovate and have a pale green hue. The foliage produces long, bright green tendrils that extend outward in search of a support. In the wild, Stephania perrieri will ascend tree trunks and other networks.

When it comes to light conditions, Stephania perrieri is able to withstand full sun although in colder regions, semi-shade is preferable to ensure its longevity. Regarding water requirements, a moderate irrigation regimen is recommended.

Grown in a pot, Stephania perrieri is able to tolerate indoor cultivation from late autumn until early spring, when cooler temperatures prevail. During cold periods watering should be suspended completely. Above all, it is important to provide a well-draining pot with a soil mix that specifically suits caudex plants.

Overall, Stephania perrieri is a plant of remarkable beauty that can serve as a focal point in any garden. Its lush foliage and vigorous climbing ability make it a decorative addition to a variety of garden styles. With the proper care, this hardy permanent climber will provide brilliant garden for many years to come.

Stephanotis floribunda

Known as the Hawaiian Wedding flower, Which is traditionally used in bridal bouquets and haku's. Tubular waxy creamy white flowers are 3" long and emit an intoxicating, unforgettable sweet fragrance. Plants can be trained as a climbing bush or vine and flowers many times a year with an established watering and fertilizing program. Full to partial sun. Controllable vine.

Sterculia apetala, Helicteres apetala, Sterculia carthaginensis, Sterculia chicha

Sterculia appendiculata

One of the most characteristic and tallest trees of this vegetation type, it is a protected species and in natural habitat many of these large, yellow-barked trees have been left standing amid cultivation and grazing land, thus indicating how widespread the Sterculia forests used to be.

Sterculia ceramica

A small evergreen tree. Leaves alternate, chartaceous, oblong, apex acute. Inflorescence panicles, pubescent. Follicles sickle-like, with 1-2 seeds. An ornamental or avenue tree.

Sterculia coccinea, Sterculia lanceolata var. coccinea, Sterculia hamiltonii

Sterculia foetida

Large tree of Old World tropics having foul-smelling orange-red blossoms followed by red pods enclosing oil-rich seeds sometimes used as food. Roasted seeds are edible. Seeds are above-average for angiospermous plants for the amino acids. It has unisexual flowers with a single perianth whorl constituting a valvate calyx. Female flower has anthers of vestigial stamens around the base of the stalked ovary.

See article about Sterculia foetida.

Sterculia lanceifolia, Sterculia roxburghii

This small tree is native to Indo-China, and is tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions. It is a deciduous species, growing to a height of 10-20 ft and producing yellow to orange flowers in springtime. Normally found in USDA zones 9-11 both in warm and cold climates, Sterculia lanceifolia (Lanceleaf Sterculia) requires full sunlight and protection from strong winds. It has a moderate drought tolerance when planted in a sandy soil and requires regular water when planted in heavy clay, during both the summer and winter months. This particular species can adapt to most soil types.

Sterculia lanceifolia is a great choice for gardens and landscapes, as it does not require too much pruning or maintenance. Additionally, it can be grown in containers so long as its pot has ample drainage holes. During winter months, Sterculia lanceifolia should be kept in a warm area, such as sheltered indoors or a greenhouse.

This plant is valued not only for its hardiness and show of color; it also produces edible fruits which are actually healthy and nutritious. The fruit is oval in shape and deep maroon in color. Inside, the seed has an edible kernel which is rich in fatty acids, minerals, as well as vitamins. In traditional medicinal remedies, it is used to treat fever, colds, and gastrointestinal issues. The fruits can be also picked and eaten fresh or dried and served with porridge, rice, and other dishes. It can produce multiple fruits per season.

Health benefits aside, the fruits of Sterculia lanceifolia are valued for their nutty flavor. Each fruit usually contains one or two seeds, which can be eaten along with the pulp or extracted to be used as a crunchy topping on salads or desserts. It is also a popular ingredient in desserts from South East Asia.

Sterculia lanceolata, Helicteres undulata, Sterculia balansae