White twinevine
Funastrum clausum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A climber. The leaves are 3-9 cm long by 0.3-3 cm wide. The flowers are in large clusters.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae. Several Sarcostemma have been changed to Cynanchum.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in swamps.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, North America, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The young fruit are cooked as a vegetable. Tender fruit are chosen.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hu'ta, Sayami, Supu'a mi, Tahsa

Synonyms

Asclepias clausa Jacq.; Funastrum clausum (Jacq.) Schltr.; Sarcostemma clausum (Jacq.) Schult.; and others