Right: Periploca graeca, (Silk Vine), native in southern Europe to Asia Minor. The stems are frost hardy, although leaves are shed in the Autumn, and will grow at least 30 ft. The attractive flowers are dark purple, markedly hairy and appear in mid to late summer. Their scent is considered attractive by some people and unpleasant by others. As with other Asclepiadaceae the seeds within the poisonous yellow fruits have a silken parachute which assists dispersal by the wind.
Sap and fruit contain cardiotoxic steroids (cardenolides), some of which have shown activity as anti-cancer agents.
Several species in this genus are listed as invasive weeds and are best cultivated in pots with a climbing frame, where they can be kept under control. Place the pot on a paving stone or the plant may send a root down through the bottom of the pot and establish itself in the ground. Periploca graeca grows in any fertile soil in a sunny position and is perhaps too undemanding as it is liable to outgrow its welcome. It is easily propagated from cuttings of half-ripe wood or seeds. Cuttings root easily in a glass of water before potting on.
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Periploca graeca
Photo: © copyright R.J. Hodgkiss 2007
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