Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook f. (Apocynaceae)

Scientific name
Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook f.
Family name
Apocynaceae
Local name
Kratung-maba
Perennial climber. Stem and branches often pustular, glabrous, hoary or mealy. Leaves opposite, simple, coriaceous, blade ovate, suborbicular or cordate, apex acuminate, base rounded or cordate; veins in 4–5 pairs; petiole 3–8 cm long. Inflorescence a hanging panicle, peduncles 3–8 cm long, many-flowered, pedicles slender, c. 1–1.5 cm long, flowers green. Sepals triangular-ovate. Petals c. 1.3 cm in diameter, cupular, lobes triangular. Stigma dome-shaped. Fruit a follicle, c. 2 cm long, 2.5–4 cm in diameter, broadly lanceolate, turgid, glabrous. Seeds broadly ovate, pale, smooth and shining, border thick.
Traditional medicinal use
Functionality
Functional constituents
Commonly found in wastelands, occasionally grown as a vegetable by indigenous peoples in northern Thailand. Propagated by seed sowing or stem cutting. Must be supported by a sturdy stake for proper growth.
Young shoots and inflorescences are harvested year-round and cooked in curries containing dried, smoked fish.
Flowers
Fruits
Leaves