Common aganosma
Amphineuron marginatum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A woody climbing vine 8 m long. It has milky sap. The leaves are glossy and oval. The flowers are white tubes with lobes. They can be in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. They have a scent.

There are 6-8 Aganosma species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in limestone areas. It can be in mountain forests or near the seashore.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves and flowers have been eaten during times of food shortage. They are bitter. Leaves are used for a drink.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems, flowers, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Aganosma biasa, Akar ara tanah, Akar gerit puteh, Kaung-nwe, Khaung-tan, Kro lan per, Kyetmauk-po, Kyet-paung-bo, Maduea-din, Mai pit, Mok khruea, Sai tan, Thow-wan

Synonyms

Aganosma acuminata G.Don; Aganosma euloba Miq.; Aganosma macrocarpa A.DC.; Aganosma marginata (Roxb.) G.Don; Aganosma velutina A.DC.; Amphineurion acuminatum (G.Don) Pichon; Amphineurion velutinum (A.DC.) Pichon; Chonemorpha cristata (Roth) G.Don; Chonemorpha dichotoma G.Don; Echites acuminatus Roxb. [Illegitimate]; Echites apoxys Voigt; Echites cristatus Roth; Echites marginatus Roxb.; Echites procumbens Blanco; Echites repens Blanco [Illegitimate]; Holarrhena procumbens (Blanco) Merr.; Ichnocarpus acuminatus (G.Don) Fern.-Vill.; Ichnocarpus macrocarpus (A.DC.) Fern.-Vill.; Ichnocarpus velutinus (A.DC.) Fern.-Vill.;