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Telosma cordata (Burm. f.) Merr.
| Family Name: | Apocynaceae |
| Common Name: | Chinese Violet, Cowslip, East Coast Creeper, Fragrant Telosma, Tonkin Creeper, Bunga Tonkin, 夜来香 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
|---|
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India, South China, Indochina, Myanmar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Secondary Rainforest, Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A woody vine, it has a twining growth habit and can grow up to 10m in height. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The simple leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem and are ovate with 3 basal veins, the leaf apex is acuminate. |
| Stems | The new stems are pubescent while the older stems are glabrescent. |
| Flowers | The flowers are borne on umbel-like cymes. The flower petals are yellow-green to orange, the inner surface of the throat is covered with hairs. The flowers are highly fragrant. |
| Habitat | It is naturally found in secondary forest, open forested areas and shrublands in lowland tropics and subtropics. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown in well-drained, sandy-loam soil with pH 6.1-7.5. It tolerates drought and infertile soils, but not flooding. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Flowers Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The flowers can be eaten cooked and are used in several Asian cuisines. Others: The oil, extracted from the flowers are used to create perfumes. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Hanging Baskets, Parks & Gardens, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Yellow / Golden, Green - Light Green |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Inflorescence Type | Cyme |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 219 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1515 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |