Common Name:

General Information

Dioclea megacarpa is a vigorous climbing, deciduous shrub with twining, loosely-branched woody stems that can climb up into the canopy. Older stems can be up to 5cm thick[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of beads

Known Hazards

The seeds of many species in this genus are likely to be used as an emergency food in times of need. We have no specific information on this species, but the seeds of many (if not all) of the species in this genus contain antinutritional substances[]. This is not unusual - the seeds of many commonly eaten legumes (including the various Phaseolus species) also often contain antinutritional substances -these are largely removed in the cooking or other preparatory process (such as sprouting). Unless there is clear information that the seeds of this species are completely safe to eat, then it would be unwise to eat them raw; or to consume large quantities of them in one meal; or to consume then on a regular basis over a long period of time[].

Botanical References

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Range

S. America - northeast Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Colombia; C. America - Panama to Guatemala

Habitat

Wet forest or thickets; at elevations up to 300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A very showy plant when in flower[].

Edible Uses

The pod is huge, 15 - 20cm long, up to 6cm wide, and around 4cm thick. It contains 2 - 5 (usually 3 - 4) large, very plump, biconvex seeds around 3cm in greatest diameter. The seeds are rather smooth and lustrous, and usually caramel or butterscotch in colour[]

Medicinal

A decoction or poultice of the leaves is applied topically to treat aches and pains, skin rashes and sores[].

The seed of this species (and many other members of the genus) contain lectins that have a range of actions within the body that are of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Many have the potential as the basis of new drugs to treat a range of diseases including cancer.

Other Uses

The seeds are used as beads in necklaces[].

Propagation

The seed has a very tough seedcoat and a firm flesh. Many species in the genus grow near rivers or the sea and their seeds can be carried for many months over long distances in the water, whilst retaining viability. It is believed that the seed of some species can retain viability for over 100 years in the soil so long as the seedcoat is not damaged. In order to get the seeds to germinate within one's own lifetime, it is generally necessary to damage the seedcoat without damaging the flesh inside. This can be done quite easily by either cutting a notch into the seedcoat, or abrading it with sandpaper. Once this is done, soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and it should germinate quite quickly[].

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