Medicinal & Edible Edible

Everything You Need to Know About Rangoon Creeper — Care, Propagation & More

Your complete Filipino gardener’s guide to growing, caring for, and harvesting Niyog-Niyogan — from seed to table.

Filipino Niyog-Niyogan Scientific Combretum indicum
DifficultyEasy
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Days to Harvest1-2 years for first fruiting
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ContainerNo
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SunlightFull sun to partial shade
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What Can You Eat?

Discover the edible parts and how Filipinos enjoy this plant in everyday cooking.

Edible Parts
🌰 Seed 🥬 Leaf
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How It’s Eaten in Philippine Cuisine

Roasted seeds are the primary edible/medicinal part — traditionally eaten to expel intestinal worms. Seeds taste like coconut when roasted (hence the name niyog-niyogan). Leaves used in decoctions.

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Cultural Significance in the Philippines

Niyog-niyogan is a DOH-approved herbal medicine for treating intestinal parasites, especially in children. The name means 'resembling coconut' because roasted seeds taste like coconut. A climbing vine with beautiful flowers that change from white to pink to red — common on provincial fences.

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Germination Guide

From seed to sprout — here’s what to expect and how to get started.

14-30 days
Days to Germinate
25-30°C
Ideal Temperature
Seeds
Method
Step-by-Step Timeline
1
Collect mature seeds from dried fruits.
2
Soak in water for 24 hours.
3
Plant 2 cm deep in moist soil.
4
Keep warm and moist; germination in 2-4 weeks.
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Planting Instructions

Everything you need to prepare — soil, spacing, depth, and the best Philippine planting months.

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Soil Type
Any well-drained soil; very adaptable
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Soil pH
6.0-7.5
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Spacing
3-5 m apart (climbing vine)
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Sowing Depth
2 cm for seeds
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Container Size
Large pot (20 L+) with trellis; prefers ground planting
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Best Season (PH)
May to July (rainy season)
Philippine Seasonal Calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
M = recommended planting months
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Propagation Methods

Learn the best ways to multiply your plants — from seeds to cuttings.

Seeds (Recommended) Stem cuttings
Steps
1
Harvest mature dried fruits.
2
Extract seeds and soak overnight.
3
Sow in prepared beds or pots.
4
Provide trellis or fence support as vine grows.
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Care Guide

Keep your plant happy and thriving with the right light, water, and nutrients.

🌞 Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade

💧 Watering

Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

🌱 Fertilizer

Compost annually; minimal care needed

🌡️ Temperature

25-35°C

💨 Humidity

High; loves tropical humidity

🪨 Soil Maintenance

Provide strong trellis or fence; prune to control spread.

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Harvest Guide

Know when and how to harvest for the best yield and flavor.

1-2 years for first fruiting
Days to Harvest
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Signs of Readiness

Harvest fruits when they turn dark brown/black. Extract seeds and roast before use.

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Storage Tips

Dry seeds thoroughly; store in airtight container for months.

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Common Problems & Solutions

Spot issues early and fix them fast.

Aggressive climbing

Cause: Vigorous vine growth

Solution: Provide dedicated trellis; prune regularly.

Seed dosage sensitivity

Cause: Eating too many seeds causes hiccups/diarrhea

Solution: Medicinal dose: 5-7 seeds for children, 8-10 for adults (roasted).

Slow to flower

Cause: Young plants focus on vegetative growth

Solution: Patience; flowering begins 1-2 years after planting.