Common Name:

General Information

Melanthera biflora is a coarse-growing perennial plant with stems that can become woody, at least at the base. The branching stems, which are usually 1 - 3 metres long but can reach 6 metres, can scramble over the ground or grow into other plants for support[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

East tropical Africa - Kenya to Mozambique; subtropical and tropical Asia - from India and China to Malaysia, Indonesia; Australia and Pacific Islands

Habitat

Near seashores in Japan[]. Along coasts, on edges of mangrove swamps, in thickets and waste places, and on grassy hills and the edges of forest at elevations from sea level to about 450 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can flower and produce fruit all year round[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used for wrapping food, imparting a flavour when the food is baked[]. They are stuffed with grated coconut, rolled and then boiled or steamed[].

A tea is made from the leaves and roots[].

Medicinal

The plant is used extensively for medicinal purposes in Papua New Guinea where it is employed to treat a wide range of complaints[].

The leaves are diuretic and vulnerary[, ]. They have various medicinal uses, but are particularly valued for the relief of stomach pains[]. The juice of fresh leaves, crushed and mixed with lime and seawater, is drunk as a remedy for malaria[]. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of bad coughs and malaria[]. An infusion of the stems or leaves is taken to treat stomach aches, dysentery and diarrhoea[, ]. Combined with ginger (Zingiber officinale), it is used to treat flatulence[].
The juice of fresh leaves is inhaled as a treatment for headaches[]. The crushed leaves are rubbed on the forehead to relieve headache[, ].
The sap of the leaves is applied topically to treat sores, bleeding cuts, wounds etc[, ]. It is used to cleanse and dress ulcers[].

The stem is crushed with water and used as a treatment for diarrhoea and sore throats with coughing[]. It is gently heated on a fire and then chewed to relieve toothache and gum inflammation[].
The young stem is made into a poultice to treat abscesses, boils, infected sores etc[].

The roots are slightly purgative and stomachic[]. The fresh roots are chewed to relieve a toothache[].

The flowers are a violent purgative[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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