Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cucurbitaceae

Genus:

Sicana

Species:

Sicana odorifera

USDA Symbol:

SIOD

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Vine

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to tropical regions with fertile soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions (75-85°F). Soaking seeds for 24 hours before planting may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI