River-leaf
Aganonerion polymorphum
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
A liana or creeper or vine. It keeps growing from year to year. It has white latex or sap. It gros up to 4 m long. The leaves are oval and entire. The leaf stalks are short. They are arranged opposite. The leaves can be 3-10 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The base of the leaf is heart shaped and the tip is pointed. The flowers are pink or white in groups. They are near the top of the stems. The fruit is a follicle 8-15 cm long by 5-8 mm wide.
There is only on Aganonerion species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in limestone regions. It grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level in south Vietnam. It grows near the edge of forests.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cambodia, Indochina, Laos, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The leaves and fruit are acidic and used in cooking as a substitute for lemon. They are also used to make soup with fish or chicken. It adds a sour taste.
Leaves are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit - flavouring, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dang, Kaot prum, La dang, La giang, Som lom, Thnong, Vor tneng