Merremia umbellata subsp. orientalis

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

A climber with trailing or twining stems. It grows 1-5 m tall. The stem twists as is winds around objects. It has milky sap. The young growth has soft hairs. The leaves are 8-12 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped. The leaves are thin textured and stiff. They are dull green and hairy. The leaf stalk is 5 cm long. The flowers are 2-2.5 cm across and white but sometimes with a yellow centre. They are funnel shaped. They occur in the axils of leaves and are in groups of 1-11 flowers. The fruit is a capsule 0.8 cm across. It is oval and pointed. It opens in 4 valves. The seeds are black and with long grey hairs.

There are about 80 Merremia species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the lowlands. It grows along roadsides, in forested valleys, and in thickets from 0–1600 m. in China. It needs a sunny position and well drained soil. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Africa, East Timor, Fiji, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, West Timor

How it is used for food

The young leaves are mixed with vegetables and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, tubers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Akar bunga kuning, Akar liha patong, Aroi geureung, Aroi kidang, Catukattutivva, Goria loti, Kappativva, Karmbi arak, Kolavara valli, Kolavarvalli, Kolia lota, Paninoi, Sapussundu, Shan zhu cai, Sithribodu, Ulan betina, Ulan tapak pelandok, Verumalle, Voktesentil

Synonyms

Merremia umbellata var. orientalis H. Hallier; Ipomoea cymosa Roem. & Schult.; Ipomoea pilosa Houtt.;