Chinese fevervine
Paederia foetida

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A small woody climber. The stems are tough. It is evergreen. It grows 2-4 m high. The plant has fine grey hairs over it. The leaves are opposite and narrowly oval. The leaves are 8-11 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. The leaves have an unpleasant smell when crushed. The flowers are greyish-purple. The fruit are oval or oval and red or yellow.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is often near river banks. It climbs over thickets and fences. It also climbs over mangroves. In Indonesia it grows up to about 2,000 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, North Korea, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves have an unpleasant smell but can be eaten as a vegetable. They are used for pastry, tea or soup. The leaves can be eaten cooked as a vegetable. (The smell disappears with cooking) The leaves can be stored for 3-4 days.

It is a popular wild plant in Hong Kong. Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They can also be grown from roots.

Its other names

Local names

Akar sekentut, Bedoli sutta, Beri lahara, Bhedailata, Bhedai lota, Bonki repuk, Bonkiripuk, Borei, Bungkripuk, Daukhi bendung, Daun kentut, Gabbutiga, Gandal, Gandali, Gandha bhadulia, Gandhali, Gandhana, Gandahsak, Gandho vadal, Giphing, Gondhovadoli, Gu fa mei, Hebeheu-ria, Hesarane, Hiranvel, Hmab tsw quav, Kahitutan, Ke dun ma, Kesimbukan, Khephi bendwng, Kipibendwng, Nplooj ntev, Oasibu, Oinam, Padani pata, Padebiri, Paduri lota, Paduri-lata, Pakhi bendang, Pasim, Pe-bok-nwe, Penarisangai, Phaom, Pighiirai, Prasarani, Raonam, Rekang nemthu, Rikang menthu, Saonkiphu, Savirela, Shejla ojneya, Shiveirei, Sigung rambat, Silindi, Skunk vine, Somaraji, Takpaedrik, Talanili, Tapinrimin, Upter nemi, Voi hnam zai, Vor phorm, Ye kuo bu duo

Synonyms

Apocynum foetidum Burm.f.; Gentiana scandens Lour.; Paederia amboinensis Miq.; Paederia chinensis Hance; Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr.; Paedaria tomentosa Blume; and others