Running straggler
Reissantia grahamii

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. It can be 20 m long. The small branches are woody. The leaves are opposite and 8-20 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. They are oblong or oval and wedge shaped or rounded at the base and tapering to the tip. There are many flowers in a group. The group is 10-14 cm long. The flowers are white or pale yellow. The petals are spoon shaped. The fruit are oblong and 9-13 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. The seeds are oval to oblong and 2.5 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist deciduous forests in the Ghats. It grows in lowland forests and up to 700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts

How it is grown

In south India plants flower and fruit January to May. It can spread rapidly.

Its other names

Local names

Danshir, Daushir, Dhavashi, Lokandi, Lokhandi, Yesti, Zewati

Synonyms

Amicratea grahamii (Wight) Halle; Hippocratea grahamii Wight; Pristimera grahamii (Wight) A. C. Sm.;