Mirliton spreads throughout Joseph Boudreaux garden, New Iberia, Louisiana.
Joseph Boudreaux viewing his mirlitons on one of the few trellises he uses. Most of his vines are on shrubs and trees.
Mirliton is a good climber in oak trees.
James Boutte Mirliton in Louisiana. This is a solid wall of vines intended as a wind block against freezing winds.
Kevin Boutte now manages the mirliton crop.
James Boutte and his mirliton vine, New Iberia, Louisiana
These following photos of vines and fruit are all James Boutte mirliton variety.
The growing plot is on a natural grade and drains well. Traditional farming land. He also uses a sprinkler system and side trellises to block North winds during freezes.
Top-growth shades base of plants, discouraging soil-borne fungi and leaf growth on base of vine.
Ground level view of his mound-planting system. The growing plot is on a natural grade and drains well.
Trellis system discourages disease by (1) preventing splash of fungus from ground to leaves and (2) heavy shade inhibits leaf growth on base stem, prevents disease from progressing up leaves toward the top of the vine.
Notice no leaves from ground up to over-story of plant, thus no "ladder" for disease.
Abandoned large mirliton farm along river road.