Vigna caracalla (Snail vine)

Botanical name

Vigna caracalla

Other names

Snail vine, Phaseolus caracalla

Genus

Vigna Vigna

Species

V. caracalla - V. caracalla is a tender twining climber. Its common name of snail vine relates to its twisted, pea-like flowers that resemble the shape of a snail. They appear in summer and are white-flushed purple and fragrant.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Flowers are fragrant

Habit

Climbing

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Colour

Flower

Flushed white, Purple in Summer

Foliage

Green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Vigna caracalla (Snail vine) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 1m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Conservatory, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Sub-Tropical, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant in a sheltered spot in full sun against a wall or support. It is a tender perennial which will die down in frost, so treat as an annual or take cuttings.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Vigna caracalla (Snail vine)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Groundnut bud necrosis virus

Type

Virus or Viroid

Current status in UK

unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous virus which could pose a risk to UK plant health if introduced; particularly with its known vector (Thrips palmi). Statutory action would be taken against any findings.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Vigna caracalla (Snail vine)

Common pest name

African cottom leafworm; Cotton leafworm; Egyptian cotton leafworm; Egyptian cotton worm; Mediterranean climbing cutworm; Meditteranea Brocade; Tobacco cutworm

Scientific pest name

Spodoptera littoralis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Regulated pest; frequently intercepted with occasional outbreaks which have been successfully eradicated in the UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Vigna caracalla (Snail vine)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Spilostethus pandurus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Seed bug unlikely to pose a significant threat to UK plant health.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/