Sarcostemma R. Brown 1810
Greek: sarx / sarkos = flesh + stemma = crown or wreath / garland, from the fleshy inner corona. |
Sarcostemma is a group of about 40 species of climbing vines and sub-shrubs with leafless or leafy photosynthetic stems. Leaves where present are opposite and heart-shaped to lanceolate. Umbels of small flowers arise from leaf nodes.
Taxonomy of this group is controversial. Sarcostemma are widely distributed throughout the sub-tropical and tropical Old World in Africa, India and Malaysia. Sarcostemma viminale is very common in southern Africa. Similar New World species are regarded as Funastrum in some taxonomic treatments, but may be seen assigned to either genus.
The leafy tropical American genera Philibertia and Vincetoxicum have been included under Sarcostemma, but are currently recognised in their own right.
Several species in this group are listed as invasive weeds and are best cultivated in pots with a climbing frame, where they can be kept under control. The milky sap is toxic and Sarcostemma australe (Caustic Vine) blisters skin on contact. Some species may contain substances of medicinal value.
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Sarcostemma Picture Gallery
Click on pictures to load full sized image. Photos © copyright R.J. Hodgkiss 2007
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Sarcostemma
vanlessenii |
Funastrum (Sarcostemma) cynanchoides
Climbing Milkweed |
Funastrum
(Sarcostemma)
hirtellum
Hairy Milkweed |
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