Mata Gallina

Mata Gallina: A Lesser-Known Puerto Rican Native Worth Discovering

If you’re passionate about native plants and always on the lookout for something truly unique, let me introduce you to mata gallina (Dioscorea polygonoides). This intriguing perennial herb is one of Puerto Rico’s native treasures that deserves more attention from adventurous gardeners.

What Exactly is Mata Gallina?

Mata gallina belongs to the Dioscorea family, which you might know better as the yam family. But don’t expect to harvest tubers from this one! Dioscorea polygonoides is a non-woody perennial herb that likely exhibits the climbing or vining characteristics typical of its genus. As a forb, it produces its energy through photosynthesis in its stems and leaves rather than storing it in woody tissue.

Where Does It Call Home?

This plant is exclusively native to Puerto Rico, making it a true island endemic. You won’t find mata gallina naturally occurring anywhere else in the world, which makes it pretty special if you ask me! For Puerto Rican gardeners, this represents an opportunity to grow something that’s genuinely part of their natural heritage.

Should You Grow Mata Gallina?

Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. Mata gallina is one of those plants that exists in what I like to call the horticultural mystery zone. There’s limited information available about its cultivation, which means growing it becomes an adventure in plant exploration.

The Case for Growing It:

• You’ll be supporting biodiversity by cultivating a native species
• It’s likely adapted to local Puerto Rican growing conditions
• You’ll join an exclusive club of gardeners growing something truly unique
• As a perennial, it should return year after year once established

The Challenges:

• Limited availability in nurseries
• Scarce growing information means some trial and error
• For mainland US gardeners, it may not be cold-hardy

Growing Conditions and Care

While specific growing requirements for mata gallina aren’t well-documented, we can make educated guesses based on its native habitat and plant family characteristics. As a Puerto Rican native, it likely thrives in:

• Warm, tropical to subtropical conditions (probably USDA zones 10-11)
• High humidity environments
• Well-draining soil with good organic content
• Partial shade to filtered sunlight

Planting and Care Tips

Since mata gallina is part of the Dioscorea family, here are some general care guidelines that might work:

• Plant in well-draining, organic-rich soil
• Provide consistent moisture without waterlogging
• If it’s a climbing variety, offer some form of support structure
• Protect from strong winds
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

A Word for Mainland Gardeners

If you’re gardening outside of Puerto Rico or other tropical zones, mata gallina might be a challenging choice for outdoor cultivation. Consider it for greenhouse growing or as a houseplant if you’re determined to try it. Alternatively, look into native Dioscorea species from your own region, or other native climbing perennials that might fill a similar ecological niche in your landscape.

The Bottom Line

Mata gallina represents the kind of plant that makes native gardening exciting – it’s mysterious, endemic, and completely underexplored horticulturally. If you’re in Puerto Rico and can source it responsibly, it could be a wonderful addition to a native plant collection. Just be prepared for some experimentation as you figure out what makes this unique plant happy in your garden.

Sometimes the most rewarding plants are the ones that challenge us to become better, more observant gardeners. Mata gallina might just be one of those plants!