Common Name:

General Information

Diplocyclos palmatus is a short-lived, perennial climbing plant producing annual, much-branched stems up to 6 metres long from a fleshy rootstock. The stems scramble over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation where it attaches itself by means of tendrils[].
In some areas the plant is considered toxic, whilst in others it is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as a garden ornamental, being valued especially for its decorative fruits[].

Known Hazards

The dried leaves have caused deaths in calves and ewes[].
All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous[]. Several children are said to have died after eating the fruit[].
There are conflicting reports on the toxicity of this plant, with it being considered poisonous in Australia, whilst the leaves are eaten in several other countries[].

Botanical References

Range

Tropical areas of Africa, through E. Asia from India, through Malaysia to Australasia.

Habitat

Rain, swamp or other ground-water forests; flood-plains; valley and seasonal swamp grasslands; old cultivations; at elevations from sea level up to 1,900 metres[]. Found in different types of vegetation, but usually in wet localities[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun to moderate shade[]. Requires a well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ]. Some other reports suggest the leaves are poisonous[].

Young fruits and shoots are occasionally eaten in South-East Asia[]. The fruits are considered poisonous in some countries[].

Medicinal

The roots are used as an antivenom[]

The fruits and leaves are used to cure stomach-ache[].

The stems are used as an expectorant[].

The fruits are used as a laxative[].

The seeds are febrifuge[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown fresh with the pulp removed[].
Stem cuttings[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: 6 add another 6 is?