Rhoicissus tomentosa

Our horticultural intern Bella writes about her experience working in the JBG's propagation nursery.

'Back in 2019, we sowed seeds of Rhoicissus tomentosa (also known as the Cape Grape).

After about two months, the seedlings were potted and by the following winter (a classic chilly Jerusalem one!), we began layering – a propagation method where the branch remains attached to the mother plant while developing roots. To support rooting, we moved the young plants into a heated greenhouse.

Most rooted successfully and were planted in the Gardens. But one struggling seedling seemed beyond saving, so we nearly gave up on it. When recycling the potting mix, I noticed its root was still fleshy and alive. After consulting with Maya, we decided to try root cuttings.

Root cuttings aren’t suitable for many species, but being a member of the Vitaceae family, R. tomentosa stood a fair chance. Unlike standard propagation where the plant uses existing leaves for photosynthesis, root cuttings regenerate entire shoots from the root itself.

I cleaned the root thoroughly, removed all tiny rootlets, and kept the main vascular channel intact – thick and healthy enough to potentially sprout again.

It's now resting in pure perlite under a Sprinkler irrigation, watered several times daily. Now we wait for signs of new life'