Vincetoxicum hirsutum
| Vincetoxicum hirsutum | |
|---|---|
| File:Tylophora ovata diagram.jpg | |
Scientific classification  (Accepted) | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Tylophora |
| Species: | T. Ovata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tylophora Ovata Tylophora ovata (Lindl.) Hook. ex Steud.
| |
Tylophora ovata is a climbing shrub known for its long stems, which can reach up to 5 meters and twine around other plants for support. It's used in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, for treating respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. However, scientific research on its medicinal properties is limited, and caution should be exercised. Sustainable harvesting practices should be encouraged if they are gathered from the wild.[1]
Description
Tylophora ovata is a climbing vine native to Eastern and Southern Asia, extending its reach across diverse habitats such as forests, mixed woods, and thickets, particularly flourishing at elevations between 200 and 1,000 meters in regions like southern China. This perennial plant, which grows up to 5 meters in height, showcases its botanical versatility in various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay, and it thrives in both semi-shaded woodland areas and sunnier spots.[2]
With its hermaphroditic nature, Tylophora ovata blooms from May to August, gracing its surroundings with petite star-shaped flowers in hues of yellow, pink, green, and red. The vine's evergreen leaves serve as a vital sustenance for caterpillars of the Ceylon blue glassy tiger butterfly, making it an essential component of local ecosystems.[3]
Though primarily renowned for its medicinal properties, including antitussive, carminative, emetic, and expectorant qualities, Tylophora ovata holds cultural significance for its therapeutic uses. Traditionally, its roots have been employed in decoctions to combat ailments such as leukaemia, asthma, coughing, traumatic injuries, rheumatoid backaches, and abdominal pains. Moreover, it has been utilized as an antidote for poisonous snakebites, underscoring its role in traditional pharmacopeias.[4]
While its exact cultivation practices remain unknown, Tylophora ovata's contribution to traditional medicine underscores its importance in local communities. However, its status as a wild plant highlights the need for sustainable harvesting practices to ensure its continued availability. With its diverse array of uses and its ecological significance, Tylophora ovata stands as a testament to the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world.
This name was accepted following an alternative taxonomy by these authorities:
Press, J.R. et al. (2000). Annotated Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Nepal: i-x, 1-430. Natural History Museum, London. and Wu, Z. & Raven, P.H. (1995). Flora of China 16: 1-479. St. Louis. [5]
References
- ^ "Tylophora ovata - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Tylophora ovata PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "OSADHI". neist.res.in. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Tylophora ovata Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses". PictureThis. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Tylophora ovata (Lindl.) Hook. ex Steud. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2024-03-06.