Rope gnetum vine
Gnetum latifolium

Family: Gnetaceae

What it is like

A large semi-climber. It grows from 5 to 20 m long. The branches are in pairs. The leaves are large - leaflets 20 x 56 cm. The spike like flower grows on old wood. The fruit is an oval nut. The outside of the fruit is green but turns red to orange.

There are about 28 Gnetum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in lowlands near mangroves. It can be up to 1,800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves and fruit are sometimes eaten. The seeds are eaten cooked. They are roasted or boiled.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, fruit, nuts

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Akar keliat, Akar suburus, Akar tutubo, Banga Itu, Boitu, Day gam la rong, Kwala uku, Kwalo uku, Nubatula, Oyod esoh, Oyod tangkil, Sakilkil, Tangkil, Waro kuku

Synonyms

Gnetum funiculare Blume; Gnetum ridleyi Gamble; Gnetum macropodum Kurz.;