Pachygone

( PACK - ee - gon )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering shrubs and small trees produce evergreen foliage and are native to areas in tropical Asia, the Pacific Islands and Australia. Flowers are generally white to cream-colored and bloom in spring or summertime. These plants have a generally shrubby habit unless pruned into trees. Use these shrubs as privacy screening, as background plantings, or in woodland or mixed beds to add lush foliage. In cooler areas of the globe, these are kept as indoor plants. Take care when planting these trees and shrubs in the garden, as some plant parts (namely the bark) are toxic if ingested.

Pachygone species and varietals

The genus Pachygone includes 12 species and is a member of the Moonseed plant family Menispermaceae. The best growing zones for these shrubs vary depending on the species; for more information, see the plant descriptions below. ​(to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).

Pachygone laurifolia (Cocculus laurifolius) (Hindu Laurel, Laurel-Leaved Snail Tree)
​​This species of evergreen shrub or tree can thrive in both sun and shade, and needs regular water. It is commonly called Laurel-Leaved Snail Tree. Take care when planting this shrub in your yard, as the bark is toxic if ingested. Native to the Himalayas, this plant is useful as a screen or background plant. They grow slowly at first, and take the form of a multi-trunk shrub but can be turned into a tree with some selective pruning and staking. Leaves are shiny, leathery and dark green, and have three strongly marked veins running from the base to the tip. This species does best in zones 8, 9 and 12-24.

Pachygone ovata (Fish Berry)
This species takes a shrubby, straggly, climbing form and is native to northern areas in Australia, Malaysia, peninsular India, and Sri Lanka. Drupe fruits that follow flowers have been used in traditional medicine in their native range, and the berries are also used as a fish poison. Vining branches can reach up to 33 feet long, 

Caring for and pruning Pachygone

Plant these trees in a spot in the garden that receives partial shade. The foliage of these trees and shrubs sunburns easily, especially if plants are in direct sun during the warmest hours of the day. They prefer soil to be well-draining, rich and loamy. These plants have a climbing habit, and do enjoy some structure with which they can support themselves as they grow. A trellis is typically a good choice for these plants. Pachygone plants prefer soil to be well-draining, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 6.0 and 7.5). Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures. Water new plantings regularly as they develop strong root systems. During dry spells, make sure to provide extra deep waterings. Established trees also perform best with consistent moisture. Water deeply, especially during long dry periods of the year, and allow soil to dry out somewhat between waterings to discourage fungal root rot issues.

The optimal temperature range for these plants is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If outdoor temperatures get much cooler, plants will need to be either brought indoors over the cold months of the year, or be dressed with burlap or frost cloths, especially below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Pruning these trees is relatively simple; in late winter or early springtime, after the last frost of the year has passed and temperatures have risen above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches and shape trees. These plants do not require heavy feedings and typically do well with a simple application of organic compost to their root zone yearly in springtime. If trees seem to be struggling or foliage is somewhat discolored, trees may benefit from an extra feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10). Avoid over-fertilizing trees, as this can negatively affect their growth and development over time.

Propagation

Pachygone can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Pachygone plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Pachygone by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch softwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
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Propagating Pachygone by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall.. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided tubers about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.

Problems and Pests

Pachygone trees are not typically susceptible to many issues, though they can suffer from time to time from the following:
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Root Rot
  • Leaf Spot
For more information on these pests and diseases, consult the following pages:

Gallery

Pachygone trees typically reach up to 25 feet tall if left to their own devices.
Flowers on these trees are small and yellow to cream-colored.

Videos

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Resources

Wikipedia: Pachygone
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 
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