Tylophora ovata
Family: Asclepiadaceae
What it is like
Tylophora ovata is a CLIMBER growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Thickets on hillsides, forest edges or ravines. Forests, mixed woods and thickets at elevations of 200 - 1000 metres.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The roots are antitussive, carminative, emetic and expectorant. A decoction is used in the treatment of leukaemia, asthma and coughing, traumatic injuries, rheumatoid backaches, pains in the stomach and abdomen, poisonous snakebites.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be outdoors in Britain. However, the plant is supplied by at least one British nursery.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist