Gnetum buchholzianum

Cultivation Details

A plant of humid, lowland tropical rainforests, being found at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres^[1]. It grows best in areas where the annual rainfall is around 3,000 mm^[1]. Succeeds in dappled shade in the woodland. Plants growing in full sun produce thinner leaves which are not so well liked by consumers^[1]. Cultivated plants need to be given some support, such as a tree, to grow into^[1]. The plant forms two distinct types of stem. Growing up from the base, the stems produce only small, scale-like leaves, and they grow rapidly towards the light. Higher up, side shoots are formed with fully-developed leaves^[1]. The plant continues to grow during the dry season and new shoots may develop where the stem has been cut or where side shoots have been removed^[1]. New shoots are also formed from rhizomes that spread along the forest floor^[1]. Current methods of harvest from wild stands are very destructive^[1]. Controlled harvesting, in which only side shoots or parts of stems are collected, allows new shoots to develop where a stem has been cut or where side shoots have been removed^[1]. Preliminary observations indicate that 3 - 4 harvests per year are possible, still allowing for substantial regrowth. More frequent harvesting will result in thin leaves that are considered inferior^[1]. The first harvest may take place 6 - 9 months after planting. The total lifespan of the plant is estimated at over 10 years^[1]. Preliminary observation indicates that in cultivation during the first harvest year the fresh leaf yield may reach 20 t/ha. This may double in subsequent years^[1]. Under wild conditions, the plant grows and forms underground tubers or roots that store plant food reserves. These can remain alive for many years when the vegetation and the plant growth above ground are cleared and the soil surface is laid bare^[2]. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.