Kadsura vine
Kadsura scandens

Family: Schisandraceae

What it is like

A big woody climber. It grows 25 m long. The leaves are alternate. They are simple and broadly oval. They are 10-15 cm long by 5-9 cm wide. The flowers occur singly and in the axils of leaves. They are occasionally on the stems. The fruit is 5 cm across. They are made up of 40-100 small berries. They are red when ripe. There are 1-2 seeds per berry.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in tropical and mountain forests. It grows up to 2,400 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore

How it is used for food

The ripe fruits are eaten. They are sour.

They are sometimes sold in markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds. It can also be grown by semi-ripe stem cuttings.

It flowers and fruits throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

Akar dama-dama, Belabar, Belebar, Hunyar buut, Hunyur buut, Kadsura, Kerukol akar, Ki lembur, Mendulai, Wera aroi, Wera areuy

Synonyms

Kadsura cauliflora Blume; Kadsura scandens var. cauliflora (Blume) Kuntze; Kadsura scandens var. intermedia Kuntze; Kadsura wallichii Korth. ex Koord.; ? Sarcocarpon scandens Blume; Schisandra ovalifolia P. Parm.;