Sandpaper vine - Tetracera indica (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Sandpaper vine

Sandpaper vine is a tropical climbing shrub characterized by its woody vines and elongated leaves, which are fitted with two distinctive glands at the base. It blooms with small, yellow, fragrant flowers that develop into oblong, winged fruits. Thriving in moist forest environments, sandpaper vine's robust climbing habit allows it to reach sunlight by ascending the forest canopy, underscoring its adaptive growth strategy in dense vegetation.

Scientific classification

Species

Sandpaper vine (Tetracera indica)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

16 m

Plant Height

Green

Leaf Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Sandpaper vine

Distribution of Sandpaper vine

Distribution Map

Sandpaper vine is primarily indigenous to tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. This plant naturally flourishes in a belt extending from the eastern Himalayas to the rainforests closer to the equator. While it originated in these lush, warmer climates, sandpaper vine has not been officially reported as an introduced species in non-native territories, thus its range remains largely confined to its indigenous areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Sandpaper vine

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Water: Sandpaper vine thrives in moderate rainfall regions, efficiently absorbing and storing water. It prefers a watering schedule of every 2-3 weeks and is not highly tolerant of extreme humidity or drought. As an evergreen vine, sandpaper vine retains its leaves year-round, aiding consistent hydration.

Fertilize: To enhance growth, sandpaper vine requires monthly fertilization with balanced nutrition and high-nitrogen fertilizer during early growth. Water before fertilizing, adjust frequency in dormancy, and follow label instructions. These practices boost vitality and aesthetic appeal for gardeners of all skill levels.

Pruning: Sandpaper vine features coarse, sandpaper-like leaves and thrives with strategic pruning in early to late winter. Remove dead branches, thin overcrowded areas, and trim long shoots for bushier growth. This enhances airflow and light penetration, reducing disease risk. Always use sterilized tools to prevent infection.

Propagation: Sandpaper vine is propagated through cuttings from healthy, mature stems. Using rooting hormones and well-draining media is recommended, along with maintaining optimal humidity for better root development. These strategies aid in efficiently propagating sandpaper vine, leading to vigorous growth without complex techniques.

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