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Cynanchum pulchellum (Wall.) Liede & Khanum
| Family Name: | Apocynaceae |
| Synonyms: | Raphistemma pulchellum, Asclepias pulchella |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Assam, Bangladesh, South-Central and Southeast China, East Himalaya, India, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A climber with stems growing up to 8 m and glabrous. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaf blades are dark green, ovate, measuring up to 20 m long and 15 cm wide, with base deeply cordate and apex acute-acuminate. Leaf blade has lateral veins of 6 to 7 pairs. |
| Flowers | Flowers are yellowish white, tubular with 5 petals. |
| Fruit | Seeds ovate-shaped. |
| Habitat | Found in open forests and bush lands. |
| Etymology | The genus Cynanchum means dog-strangler, in reference to the poisonous squinancy-wort for medicinal purpose. The specific epithet pulchellum means beautiful. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Host Plant |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Cordate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute, Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Cordate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33163 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7577 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
