Entada gigas aka Monkey Ladder

Entada gigas is challenging to grow and requires specific tropical conditions. It demands high temperatures (25-30°C), high humidity, consistently wet soil, and strong climbing support structures. The plant is not frost-tolerant and can only grow outdoors in USDA zones 10-11 or in heated greenhouses, making it unsuitable for most temperate climates.

Entada gigas requires frequent watering to maintain consistently wet or moist soil. Native to wet tropical forests and riverine areas, this vine does not tolerate drought and should never be allowed to dry out completely. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season.

Entada gigas prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and retains moisture well. The soil should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging while maintaining consistent moisture. While adaptable to various soil types in its native range, it performs best in fertile, well-drained soil similar to what is found in tropical rainforests.

Entada gigas requires bright, direct sunlight and thrives in full sun conditions. In its natural habitat, the vine climbs to the forest canopy where it receives abundant sunlight. It grows more vigorously in open, sunny areas and needs strong light to support its rapid growth rate.

Entada gigas requires warm tropical temperatures between 25-30°C (77-86°F) and is not frost-tolerant. This plant can only survive in high temperatures and cannot tolerate cold conditions. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10-11 only, where winter temperatures remain above freezing.

Entada gigas requires high humidity levels to thrive, as it is native to wet tropical rainforests. The plant does best in moderate to high humidity environments that mimic its natural habitat. In cultivation, especially in greenhouses or indoor settings, maintaining high humidity is essential for healthy growth.

Fertilize Entada gigas with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to package instructions, typically every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. The plant's rapid growth rate benefits from regular feeding to support vigorous vine development.

Entada gigas is propagated from seeds, which require scarification due to their incredibly hard seed coat designed to survive ocean travel. To improve germination, mechanically scarify the seed coat by filing or nicking it, or use chemical scarification. After scarification, soak seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours, then plant in warm soil (25-30°C) to encourage sprouting.

Entada gigas is a remarkably fast-growing vine that can grow 100 feet (30 meters) in just 18 months under optimal conditions. Mature vines typically exceed 30 meters in length, with some specimens reaching up to 120 meters. The main stems can grow over one foot (30+ cm) in diameter, making this one of the largest and most vigorous climbing vines in the world.

Entada gigas is native to a vast range spanning southern Mexico southward to northwestern Venezuela and Ecuador, throughout the Caribbean islands, and across tropical West and Central Africa to Uganda and Zambia. It inhabits wet lowland tropical rainforests, riverine forests, and coastal areas from sea level to 1,420 meters elevation.

Yes, Entada gigas produces dense spikes of small greenish-yellow flowers that emerge from the leaf axils. These flowers develop into the plant's most distinctive feature: enormous seed pods that can reach 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) in length, making them the longest pods of any legume in the world.

Entada gigas can only be grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical regions corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 10-11, where temperatures remain above freezing year-round. The plant requires warm temperatures (25-30°C), high humidity, and is not frost-tolerant. In cooler climates, it can be grown in heated greenhouses with adequate climbing support.

Yes, Entada gigas seeds are toxic when raw due to saponin content and are poisonous to both humans and pets. However, indigenous peoples have traditionally rendered the seeds edible through extensive processing involving roasting, grinding, and prolonged soaking or leaching in water for 10 hours to 3 days to remove toxic compounds. The bark and seeds are also used as natural soap due to their saponin content.

Entada gigas seeds are marginally edible but only after extensive processing to remove toxic saponins. Traditional preparation involves roasting, baking, grinding, and soaking in running water for 10-12 hours or up to three days. Aboriginal Australians and other indigenous groups have consumed the seeds after proper leaching and cooking, but due to inherent toxicity and labor-intensive preparation, they should be considered a survival food rather than a regular food source.

Entada gigas has well-established traditional medicinal uses across Africa. Bark decoctions are used to treat anemia, gonorrhea, stomach pain, and for bathing new mothers. In DR Congo, stem decoctions treat breathing difficulties and diabetes. Warmed leaves are applied to painful areas for rheumatic relief, and seed poultices address colic in children. The saponin-containing plant parts are also used medicinally for pain, itching, and fever.

Entada gigas has numerous practical and cultural uses. The saponin-rich bark and seeds serve as natural soap for cleaning clothes, washing hair and skin. The beautiful heart-shaped seeds are crafted into jewelry, beads, snuff boxes, lockets, musical shakers, necklaces, and lucky charms. Seeds also function as polishing agents, and seed oil has been used for illumination. Historically, the seeds served as teething rings and good luck charms for sailors, and may have inspired Columbus during his voyages.