Kangkong bukit
Decalobanthus peltatus

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

A vigorous woody climber. It can climb into rainforest trees. It grows 10-25 m high. The leaves are dark green and broadly oval. They can be heart shaped. Leaves can be 10-30 cm long by 10-30 cm wide. The flowers are white or yellow and tube or funnel shaped. They are 8 cm long and 2-3 cm across. They are in loose clusters. Each flower normally only lasts for one day. The fruit is a capsule 2-3 cm across. It is oval and woody.

There are about 80 Merremia species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal rainforest. It needs a sunny position and a well drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, American Samoa, Andamans, Australia, Bougainville, Comoros, Cook Islands, East Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mascarenes, Malaysia, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pohnpei, Rotuma, SE Asia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna, Yap

How it is used for food

Leaves added to breadfruit paste for flavour. CAUTION: The tubers can cause diarrhoea. The tubers are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, tubers, root, sap drunk

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Akar ulan, Akar ulan gajah, Aroi charayum, Bamul, Fue fagufagu, Fue vao, Melading, Taba taba, Taba tabwa, Taltabatabwa, Wa mbula, Wa ndami, Viliyawa, Viliviwa, Veliyana, Wiliao

Synonyms

Argyreia soutteri (Bailey) Domin; Convolvulus peltatus L.; Ipomoea menispermacea Domin; Ipomoea nympheaefolia Bl.; Ipomoea peltata (L.) Choisy; Merremia nymphaeifolia H Hallier; Merremia peltata (L.) Choisy; Operculina peltata Hall.f.;