Supplejack / Vine Tree / Whip Vine - Ventilago viminalis (Bandarrang) seeds

Ventilago viminalis - Supplejack (Medicine Tree)
A versatile and culturally significant tree with medicinal, edible, and practical uses.

Quick Facts

• Height: Scrambler to small tree as it matures.
• Flowers: Creamy yellow-green blooms, appearing July to October.
• Fruit: Winged fruits follow flowering.
• Habitat: Native to Northern and Central Australia, from coastal Queensland to the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
• Soil pH: Optimal growth at pH 7.5.

Why Grow Ventilago viminalis?

This hardy tree is not only an adaptable addition to your garden but also deeply rooted in Australian Indigenous culture. It begins life as a scrambler, gradually developing into a robust, tree-like form. Its unique growth habit, paired with medicinal and edible qualities, makes it a valuable asset for both native gardens and bush regeneration projects.

Bush Food Note

The gum exuded by Ventilago viminalis can be scraped off the tree and twisted onto a stick to chew as a natural "chewing gum." This gum can also be burnt to form ash, traditionally mixed with native tobacco for chewing.

Bush Medicine

Revered as one of the most important bush medicine trees, Ventilago viminalis is known for its potent healing properties:

• Decoction: Bark and roots are mashed, soaked, and sometimes boiled to prepare a medicinal liquid.
• Applications: Used externally for cuts, sores, skin rashes, fungal infections, bruises, sprains, insect bites, toothaches, and rheumatism.
• Active Compounds: The bark contains anthraquinone derivatives, which may contribute to its bactericidal properties.

Disclaimer: Information about traditional bush medicine is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before use

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Plant seeds in well-draining soil with a pH of approximately 7.5.
   • Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep and water gently.
   • Place in a sunny to semi-shaded location for optimal growth.

2. Position:

   • Thrives in a range of conditions, from sandy to loamy soils.
   • Prefers full sun but tolerates semi-shade.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly while young; drought-tolerant once established.
   • Minimal pruning required as it naturally transitions from a scrambler to a small tree.

Uses in Your Garden

• Medicinal Garden: Perfect for those interested in cultivating plants with traditional healing properties.
• Cultural Significance: A living connection to Indigenous Australian heritage.
• Ornamental Value: The tree’s scrambling growth habit and winged fruits add unique texture to your landscape.
• Practical Use: Flexible branches are excellent for basketry, and wood is traditionally used for boomerangs and spears.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination typically takes 2–4 weeks under optimal conditions.
• Temperature: Warm conditions (20–25°C) encourage faster sprouting.
• Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Light: Seeds benefit from a well-lit location with indirect sunlight.

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Bring history, healing, and beauty into your garden with Ventilago viminalis. Whether for its cultural significance, medicinal properties, or striking appearance, this versatile tree will make a meaningful addition to your collection.

Click “Add to Cart” to grow your own Supplejack today!