Monkey Ladder Vine

Description:

One of my favorite lianas, the monkey ladder vine snakes up into the canopy in loops and curls like a huge ribbon. I've seen "old growth" monkey ladder vines growing in a huge twining clump along the forest floor twining up into the trees. The oddly-shaped lumps spaced along the liana look as though they may indeed serve as footholds for the howler and spider monkeys that live among them. The deer-hoof-like leaves may sprout out from the stem unexpectedly (#4). Young monkey ladder vines resemble flexible, whitish papery twine, twisted just like string. The adult vine is springy and tough, and to my eyes strangely beautiful.

Habitat:

This particular vine was in an open forest on a ridge above the Pacific Ocean. I also have them around my house in Belize. You can see a termite nest attached to the vine in photo #3.

Notes:

I've swung from one of these, just to try out my Tarzan (Jane?) licks. It's fun.