Vegetable vine, Fish-smelling vine
Erythropalum scandens

Family: Olacaceae

What it is like

A much branched climber. It grows 5-10 m high. The leaves are alternate and nearly triangular. They have a wavy edge. They are dark green on the upper surface and have a waxy bloom underneath. They are 9-16 cm long by 6-11.5 cm wide. The leaf stalk is swollen at the ends. It is 3-10 cm long. It has tendrils in the axils of leaves. The flower arrangements are 10 cm wide. The flowers are green with a yellow disk. The fruit is pear shaped. It is 1.5-1.8 cm long by 1 cm wide. It is yellow or red. It has a strong smell. There is one seed inside. This is oval and 1.2 cm long.

It is also put in the family Erythropalaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is found in streams in evergreen forests. It grows between 100-1,500 m above sea level. It is also cultivated. In Yunnan. It occurs in the Western Ghats in India.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The shoots and leaves are often used in curries and as a potherb. They are bitter.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bokai, Bo khai, Bu khai, Gai yang, Gawng-chu-na-du, Kulim akar, Le-lu, Nibu, Pak keenak, Papu, Phak haak, Phak rot

Synonyms

Dactylium vagum Griff.; Decastrophia inconspicua Griff.; Erythropalum grandifolium Elmer; Passiflora heyneana Wall.; and others