Bryonia dioica aka White Bryony

Taxonomy

Bryonia dioica, commonly known as red bryony or white bryony, is a perennial climbing vine that is native to Central and Southern Europe. It is the only member of the cucumber family found in Britain. This herbaceous plant features five-pointed leaves and clusters of greenish white flowers that bloom from May to August. The vine produces separate male and female plants, with the female plants bearing hanging ropes of red berries in the autumn. Bryonia dioica can reach heights of up to 3.5 meters and has a fast growth rate. It is hardy in zone 6 in the UK and flowers from May to June. This dioecious species requires both male and female plants for seed production and is pollinated by bees.

Common names

White Bryony, Cretan Bryony, Red Bryony, English Mandrake, Ladies' Seal

How to care for White Bryony

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, White Bryony is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

White Bryony should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the White Bryony prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for White Bryony to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

White Bryony’s native range is Central and southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia