Jiaogulan / kruid van de onsterfelijkheid

Jiaogulan is a perennial climber that gives an edible planting a leafy, vertical element. Gynostemma pentaphyllum sends out slender climbing shoots and is grown for the leaves used in herbal infusions. In Guizhou in China, drinking jiaogulan tea is part of local tradition. Its familiar nickname, ‘immortality herb’, belongs to that cultural history and is not a promise of a health effect.

Fresh or dried leaves can be steeped to make a herbal infusion. Harvest a few leaves at a time, allowing the vine to keep enough foliage for growth rather than stripping individual stems completely.

Plant preferably in spring in partial shade, in fertile soil that remains moist but drains well. Provide a small trellis or another support and guide the young shoots into place. The top growth can die back in winter, with the perennial root system carrying the plant into the following season. Shelter newly planted autumn specimens and protect the root zone from severe frost. A container needs particular attention to watering and winter exposure.