Common Name:

General Information

Gnetum latifolium is a very variable, evergreen, large climbing plant[, ].
The plant is the source of an excellent fibre and also food, both of which are harvested from the wild for local use. It is sometimes cultivated as a food plant.
The major threat to this species is habitat loss. It is restricted to moist tropical/subtropical lowland and lower montane forests of SE Asia - most of the ecoregions with this habitat type are listed as threatened and very often they are critical/endangered. However, this species is still relatively common and so it is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to New Guinea

Habitat

Rainforests at elevations up to 1,800 metres[]. Mostly found in well drained primary and secondary forest on hill ridges and slopes; also in peat swamp and riverine forests; it is recorded to climb on Ficus and Shorea albida trees[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus usually prefer a position in light to deep shade, growing best in a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil[]. Plants have been found in the wild growing on yellow clayish soils, sandy soil of volcanic tuff, and on dark brown soils[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Seeds are eaten roasted or cooked[]. The seedcoat must be removed since this has irritant hairs[].

Young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The fibre of the inner bark is used for twisting thread, string and cordage[]. Of excellent quality, it is strong and durable in seawater[].

Propagation

Seed -

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