Mexican Snailseed
Nephroia diversifolia
Family: Menispermaceae
Not a lot is known about this seldom-cultivated plant. It likes part shade, and its nectar-rich flowers are followed by blue berry-like drupes (the birds love the fruits). Plants are dioecious (separate female and male plants), so not all plants may get fruits. Climbs up about 10’ or more.
Best in part sun (afternoon shade), though if plant finds its way to sunny spots, it will be fine. Moderate to regular water, good drainage. Hardiness unknown but at least into the low 20s°F.
Flowers are attractive to insects like bees, and the fruit is consumed by birds. Primary larval host for the moonseed moth (Plusiodonta compressipalpis).
It is unknown if the fruits are edible and the uses of this plant are undocumented as far as we know.
There are 3 accepted species for the genus Nephroia. This species is formerly known as Cocculus diversifolius. Cocculus comes from Greek kokkos, berry or grain, while diversifolius refers to diverse foliage. The etymology of the reassigned genus, Nephroia, is unclear.
Found mostly in the shade of trees and larger shrubs from 3,500-5,000’ in southern borderland canyons and mountains in Arizona and the southern tip of Texas, south along the coastal areas of western and eastern Mexico.
Fruits of Mexican Snailseed, photo by Tadeo Hernández A., iNaturalist
In Mexico this species can often be found growing on fences, photo by E. Tadeo Hernández A., iNaturalist