Latexplant, Strangler vine
Morrenia odorata

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A climbing herb or vine. It grows 5 m high. It has lots of latex. The leaves have stalks. They are hairy and vary in shape. The leaf blade can be sword shaped or spear head shaped. They are 4-7 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. They can be larger. They have a sharp tip and a heart shaped base. There are many flowers in a group in the axils of the leaves. The flowers have a scent. The fruit are oval follicles with a smooth surface. They can be 10-14 cm long by 4-9 cm wide. The seeds are flat, oblong and chestnut coloured.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs to be in a sunny position. It can grow in damp humid forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, North America, Paraguay, South America, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The unripe fruit are cooked in ashes for 10-15 minutes. The fleshy portion is then eaten. The inner part of the stems is eaten seasoned with fish fats. The leaves and flowers are ground and eaten as a vegetable with salt and water. The flowers are sweet and can be eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers, young stalks, leaves, young seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chaye, Doca, Dora, Isipo i, Guaicuru rembiu, Milkweed vine, Pongorapita, Supu'a, Tasi, Tasi fragante

Synonyms

Araujia odorata (Hook. & Arn.) Fontella & Goyder; Cynanchum odoratum Hook. & Arn.;