Dunguey: A Tropical Climbing Vine for Privacy and Screening
If you’re looking for a fast-growing vine to create privacy in your tropical garden, you might have come across dunguey (Dioscorea altissima). This perennial climbing plant has made itself at home in Puerto Rico, where it’s become a common sight twining up fences and structures. But should you plant it in your own garden? Let’s dig into what makes this vine tick.
What is Dunguey?
Dunguey is a vigorous climbing vine that belongs to the yam family. Don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s edible though – this particular species is grown purely for its ornamental value. The plant produces long, flexible stems that can be either woody or herbaceous, and it has a real talent for wrapping itself around whatever support it can find.
Originally from tropical Africa, dunguey has established itself as a non-native species in Puerto Rico, where it reproduces on its own and has become part of the naturalized flora.
Where Does Dunguey Grow?
Currently, dunguey is found growing in Puerto Rico, where it thrives in the tropical climate. The plant has adapted well to the island’s conditions and can be found growing wild without human intervention.
What Does Dunguey Look Like?
This climbing vine is all about the foliage. Dunguey produces large, heart-shaped leaves that create a lush, green backdrop wherever it grows. The twining stems can reach impressive lengths, making it an effective choice for covering large areas quickly. While it may not win any awards for showy flowers, its reliable green coverage more than makes up for it.
Should You Plant Dunguey in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Dunguey can be a useful plant if you need fast coverage for privacy screening or want to cover an unsightly fence quickly. However, since it’s not native to North American ecosystems, it won’t provide the same benefits to local wildlife that native climbing vines would offer.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow dunguey, here’s what you need to know:
- Climate: Thrives in USDA zones 10-11 (tropical and subtropical areas)
- Light: Adapts to partial shade through full sun conditions
- Water: Needs regular watering, especially during establishment
- Support: Requires a sturdy structure to climb – think fences, trellises, or arbors
- Soil: Generally adaptable to various soil types in tropical conditions
Planting and Care Tips
Getting dunguey established is fairly straightforward if you’re in the right climate zone. Plant it near a strong support structure, as those twining stems will need something substantial to grab onto as they grow. Water regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish, then reduce watering once the plant is settled.
Keep in mind that this vine can grow quite vigorously, so be prepared to do some pruning to keep it in bounds if needed.
Consider Native Alternatives
While dunguey can serve a purpose in tropical gardens, consider native climbing plants that will better support your local ecosystem. Native vines provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife while still giving you the coverage you’re looking for. Research climbing plants native to your specific region for the best ecological impact.
The Bottom Line
Dunguey is a functional climbing vine that can solve privacy and screening needs in tropical gardens. While it’s not invasive, it’s also not contributing much to local wildlife. If you’re in zones 10-11 and need fast coverage, it can do the job – just make sure you’re also incorporating native plants elsewhere in your landscape to support the local ecosystem.
