Common Name:

General Information

Merremia peltata is a vigorous climbing plant with twining stems that scramble over the ground and climb into the surrounding vegetation. The stems are somewhat woody and persistent and can be up to 9cm in diameter and 50 metres long; they grow from a large, tuberous rootstock[, , ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - Madagascar, accross the Indian Ocean, through southern Asia to New Guinea, northern Australia and into the Pacific.

Habitat

Forests and thickets, crawling up and over shrubs and trees. It is prevalent as a primary/secondary species in disturbed areas up to about 300 metres in elevation. Where it is especially aggressive, it can smother trees or groups of trees[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich, moist soil and a moderately to very sunny position[].
A very fast-growing plant, it has been introduced into many areas as an ornamental. It often escapes from cultivation, either by seed or by rooting from pieces of plant that have been thrown away. It can invade local ecosystems, climbing into and smothering the vegetation[]. Since it requires full sunlight, minimizing disturbance will inhibit growth. Hand control is difficult due to resprouting and rooting of stem fragments[].

Edible Uses

Tthe tubers are reputed to be edible in Malaya, but they may cause purging[, ].

Medicinal

Sap from the stem and tuber is considered to be anthelmintic and laxative[]. It is used as a remedy for cough, diarrhoea and worms[, ].
The diluted sap from young stems is used as eye or ear drops[].

A drink made from the juice of the leaves is reputed to be taken for the treatment of hernia[]. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat boils, infections and appendicitis[]. A decoction of the leaves, together with the leaves of Colocasia esculenta, is used for the treatment of cysts[].
The leaves are applied as a maturative for treating inflammation of the breasts, whilst the heated leaves are also applied as a poultice[]. The leaves are applied as a poultice on superficial wounds[].

The tubers are mildly laxative, becoming purgative in decoction[]. They are used in the treatment of dysentery and are also used to treat uterine haemorrhage[].
A decoction of the roots is used to treat stomach muscular rigidity[]. The roots are used in infusions to treat chills[]..

Other Uses

The leaves are often used for washing hair in Indonesia, where they are considered to be cooling, improve growth and prevent hair loss[].

The stem is sometimes used for tying purposes[, ].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings root easily[].

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