Legumes, Milkworts, and Allies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER FABALES

-Legumes (Family Fabaceae)

-Acacias, Mimosas, Mesquites, and Allies (Subfamily Mimosoideae)

-Tribe Mimoseae

-Callingcard Vines (Genus Entada)

-Callingcard Vine (Entada polystachya)

The Callingcard Vine (Entada polystachya) is a vigorous, woody tropical liana (climbing vine) from the pea family, famous for its incredibly long, segmented seed pods, sometimes over a meter, containing large, heart-shaped seeds that float, aiding dispersal. It features lush, feathery leaves and small, creamy-white flowers, draping over rainforest trees for support, and is known for its fast growth, ornamental appeal, and traditional medicinal uses in the Americas.

Description

• Entada polystachya is a woody climbing vine or liana in the legume family (Fabaceae). It has compound, finely divided leaves and produces numerous small flowers arranged in elongated spikes or clusters. The flowers are typically greenish-white to cream-coloured. Like other members of the genus Entada, it develops elongated, woody seed pods containing relatively large seeds. Species-specific details of its growth and reproductive characteristics can vary with local conditions.

Range

• Entada polystachya is native to tropical America, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• This climbing vine grows in tropical forests, seasonally dry woodland, scrub, and thickets. It climbs over trees and shrubs, using surrounding vegetation for support, and is typically associated with warm climates. It may occur along forest margins and in openings where sufficient sunlight reaches its foliage.