Molantina
Muehlenbeckia tamnifolia

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A shrub or climber. The stem are 4 sided. It grows 4 m tall. The leaves are hairy and rough. They are oval and 4-10 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The flowers are reddish. They are small and tube shaped. They form angular spikes. The ripe fruit are pink.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can stand long dry periods. In the Andes in Ecuador it grows between 2,000-4,500 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador (country/location of origin), South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anku yuyu lutu yuyu, Llanten huasca, Llanetn waska, Molantevin, Mollantin, Mollantina, Mollentin, Muelan, Mulenteni, Mullintimi, Yayar

Synonyms

Calacinum tamnifolium (Kunth) J. F. Macbr.; Muehlenbeckia benthamii Endl.; Muehlenbeckia cuspidata Gross ex Standley; Muehlenbeckia leptobotrys Meisn.; Muehlenbeckia peruviana Meisn.; Muehlenbeckia stuebelii Lindau; Polygonum dombeyanum Kuntze; Polygonum flexuosum Benth.; Polygonum leptobotrys (Meisn.) Kuntze; Polygonatum quadrangulatum M. Martens & Galeotti; Polygonum tamnifolium Kunth; Sarcogonum tamnifolium (Kunth) Rusby;