32
Cissus
quadrangularis L.
Synonym : Vitis quadrangularis (L.) Wall. ex Wight
Family :
Vitaceae
Local Names : Changalamparanda, Adament creeper, Bone setter
Flowering and fruiting period: June-February
Distribution: Widespread in the drier parts of
Africa, Arabia and Indo-Malesia
Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in
the plains
IUCN status: Data deficient
Endemic:
No
Uses: Ornamental. Young green stems
edible – cooked. The leaves and young shoots are used in the preparation of
poppadoms and curries. The ash of the plant is used as a substitute for baking
powder. The pulped stem is given in the treatment of asthma; is used as an
alterative in cases of amenorrhoea; and is given in the treatment of
haemorrhoids. The powdered dry roots are used for treating indigestion. The
powdered root is considered to be a specific in the treatment of fractured
bones. The plant has potential as an active ingredient in preparations for the
treatment of skin-ageing in post-menopausal women. The plant can be grown to
form a hedge.
Key Characters: Rambling, succulent, glabrous, deciduous shrubs; stem
4-angular, winged or ridged at angles. Leaves simple, entire or 3-lobed.
Flowers in leaf-opposed, peduncled, umbellate cymes. Calyx-tube obscurely
4-lobed, reddish. Petals ovate, acute, greenish-yellow. Stamens 4; anthers
yellow. Ovary 2-celled. Fruit is a berry. Seeds black, smooth.
