Griffonia simplicifolia ATOOTO (6 seeds)

Griffonia, also known as atooto or 5-HTP, is a climbing plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa, specifically Ghana. This perennial plant is fast-growing and typically reaches a height of 3 meters.

Its leaves are green, smooth, and shiny, reaching 4 to 10 cm in length. They are generally palmate and consist of 3 to 5 leaflets. These leaflets are oval-shaped with slightly serrated edges.

The tubular flowers are small and grouped in clusters. They feature a white corolla, sometimes with touches of purple. The flowering period usually occurs during the spring and summer.

Atooto seeds from Griffonia simplicifolia are black, flat, and fragile. They weigh an average of 25 centigrams and measure 15 millimeters in diameter.

- Uses:

A Treasure of Equatorial Africa

Griffonia simplicifolia is a vigorous woody climber native to the tropical forests and savannas of West Africa.
Historically respected in local traditions, this resilient vine symbolises strength and botanical adaptability within African ethnobotanical heritage.

A Graphic and Wild Silhouette

This climbing plant stands out for its deep green evergreen foliage and characteristic flowers, which give way to curious black pods containing highly recognisable round seeds.
Acquiring our open-pollinated seeds from Ethnoplants offers a rare opportunity to preserve a unique witness to exotic collector's herbaria.

A Horticultural Challenge for Passionate Collectors

Frost-sensitive, this tropical species thrives ideally in a warm greenhouse or a very bright indoor space in a rich and perfectly drained substrate.
Cultivating this rare specimen allows enthusiasts to participate actively in preserving the biodiversity of African Fabaceae vines.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The ideal period to sow Griffonia simplicifolia is in June and July when temperatures are sufficiently warm.
• Prepare a tray of peat-based substrate that has been previously moistened.
• Plant the seeds on their edge, with the germ facing downwards, without covering them with substrate.
• Water them delicately using a hand sprayer.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature between 30 and 35°C.
• Germination generally begins 3 to 6 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

This 5-HTP vine prefers a well-drained substrate, rich in organic matter, ideally in slightly acidic soil.

- Exposure / Light:

The Serotonin plant thrives in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade, especially during intense summer heat.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

It grows very fast in warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C and 30°C. It is not hardy and remains sensitive to frost. The plant must not be exposed to temperatures below 5°C.

- Watering / Irrigation:

This exotic climber loves regular watering at the base of the plant. However, it is very important to let the soil dry out between two irrigation periods to avoid excess humidity and root rot.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

It can be multiplied either by seeds or by cuttings. For cuttings, take stem segments 10 to 15 cm long and plant them in an acidic, aerated substrate. The cuttings must be kept moist until rooting occurs.

This article was written by Julien on 07/16/2026.