Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn.
Vernacular name: Coral vine, Queen’s wreath, Mountain rose (Hindi: काला लता / गुलाबी लता)
Species Name: Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn.
Family: Polygonaceae
Habit: Fast-growing perennial climbing vine
Stem: Slender, twining, 7-25 m long, reddish-brown, angled with axillary tendrils.
Leaf: Alternate, cordate-ovate 2.5-7.5 cm long, membranous, acute tip, hairy veins beneath.
Flowering: Spring–Fall (throughout warm season)
Flowers: Axillary racemes forming panicles (racemose-paniculate inflorescence – clustered along rachis); tiny pink/coral/white tepals 5-8 mm, showy papery sepals.
Fruit: Triangular achene 8-12 mm, enclosed in dry calyx, winged seeds
Uses:
- Leaf decoction is used to manage diabetes and inflammation.
- Tuber is used as famine food.
- Plant is used as an ornamental climber for fences and arbors (Mexican creeper).
- “Chain of love” in Philippines.
- Tribal cooling drink in Riau is made from this climber.
- Flower attracts pollinators.
- Aerial parts of plants are dried and used as a tea due to its antioxidant properties that also helps in managing inflammation and pain in body especially in joints.
- Plant is also used to treat congested chest during flu.
- Leaves and roots of plant in traditional medicines are used to treat stomach infections, aches and diabetes.
