St. Thomas Lidpod: A Vigorous Tropical Climber for Warm-Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for a fast-growing vine to cover that bare fence or pergola in your tropical garden, you might have come across St. Thomas lidpod (Operculina turpethum). This member of the morning glory family is quite the character – it’s got personality, vigorous growth, and some interesting quirks that make it both appealing and potentially challenging for gardeners.
What Is St. Thomas Lidpod?
St. Thomas lidpod is a perennial twining vine that can develop woody or herbaceous stems as it matures. In Palau, it’s known by the local name ongchutelrarekung. Like many members of the morning glory family, this plant is a natural climber that will enthusiastically wrap itself around anything it can reach.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting with this plant’s backstory. St. Thomas lidpod has a complex native status that varies by location. It’s native to parts of the Pacific Basin (excluding Hawaii) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, in Puerto Rico, it’s considered a non-native species that has established itself in the wild and reproduces without human help.
Currently, you can find this vine growing in Guam, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Should You Plant St. Thomas Lidpod?
This is where gardeners need to think carefully. St. Thomas lidpod is undeniably vigorous – perhaps too vigorous for some situations. While it can provide quick coverage and attractive foliage, its enthusiastic growth habit means it could potentially overwhelm other plants or spread beyond where you want it.
Consider St. Thomas lidpod if you:
- Live in USDA hardiness zones 10-12
- Need quick coverage for large structures
- Have plenty of space for a vigorous vine
- Want to attract butterflies and other pollinators
Think twice if you:
- Have a small garden where space is limited
- Prefer low-maintenance plants
- Live in an area where it’s not native (consider local native alternatives instead)
Growing Conditions and Care
St. Thomas lidpod is surprisingly adaptable for such a vigorous plant. In Hawaii, it’s classified as Facultative Upland, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can tolerate some moisture.
Here’s what this vine prefers:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil (it’s not too picky about soil type)
- Water: Moderate water once established
- Climate: Tropical and subtropical areas only (zones 10-12)
- Salt tolerance: Can handle coastal conditions reasonably well
Design Ideas and Landscape Use
If you decide to grow St. Thomas lidpod, think of it as nature’s version of a privacy screen installer – it works fast and doesn’t take breaks. This vine works well for:
- Covering chain-link fences quickly
- Creating shade on pergolas or arbors
- Screening unsightly views
- Adding tropical flair to large landscape areas
Just remember to provide sturdy support structures – this vine means business when it comes to climbing!
A Word of Caution
Before planting St. Thomas lidpod, check with your local extension office or native plant society. Since it has established itself as a non-native species in some areas, there may be local concerns about its potential to spread. When in doubt, consider native climbing vines that can provide similar benefits without the ecological risks.
If you do choose to grow it, be prepared to manage its growth actively and prevent it from spreading into natural areas where it doesn’t belong. Think of yourself as the vine’s personal trainer – it needs boundaries to stay in good shape!
The Bottom Line
St. Thomas lidpod can be a useful plant for specific situations in tropical gardens, but it’s not a plant it and forget it kind of vine. Its vigorous nature means it requires ongoing management and careful consideration of its placement. For gardeners in areas where it’s not native, exploring local native climbing plants might be a more environmentally responsible choice that still gives you the coverage and beauty you’re looking for.
