Chong angka
Raphistemma hooperianum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A herbaceous climber. The stems are 5 m long. The leaves are oval and 4-16 cm long by 2-12 cm wide. There are fine hairs on the veins. The flowers are tube shaped and white. The fruit are follicles 13-18 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. The seeds are flat.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It climbs on trees in secondary forest. It is often near houses. In southern China it grows between 400-800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves, flowers and fruit are eaten cooked.

It is mainly used in times of food scarcity.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Oxystelma hooperianum Blume;