Tail-grape
Artabotrys hexapetalus

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A climbing evergreen shrub. It can grow to 5 m long. The leaves are oval to sword shaped. They are rubbery and glossy. They are 13 cm long and in opposite ranks. The flowers are creamy yellow. They occur singly or in pairs. One of the pair is modified into a hook which helps the plant to climb. The flowers have a sweet banana-like smell. The fruit is in grape like clusters.

There are about 100 Artabotrys species. They are shrubby climbers in SE Asia. It can be invasive in some places.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. It suits moist and humid locations. It needs fertile, well drained soil. It does best in full sun. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China (country/location of origin), Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka (country/location of origin), Taiwan, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flowers are used to make a tea drink. CAUTION: The seeds, leaves and immature fruit are used as an insecticide.

Edible parts

Flowers - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by air-layering. It needs a strong support to grow over.

It is fast growing. Flowers are produced in hot months and the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Akar pisang-pisang, Anggur hutan, Champaapool, Climbing ylang-ylang, Coq du levant, Day mong rong, Hara champaka, Hari champa, Hirva champa, Ilang-ilang de China, Kaaraweg, Kadat-ngan, Katchampa, Madan mast, Maroranjitam, Padat-ngan, Tadaing-hmwe

Synonyms

Artobotrys odoratissimus R.Br.ex Ker-Gawl non Blume; Artobotrys uncinatus (Lam.) Merrill; Artobotrys uncutus (Lour.) Baill.; Annona hexapetala L.f.; Annona odoratissimus; Annona uncinatus Lam.; Uvaria odoratissima Roxb.;