Cissus quadrangularis L.
ചങ്ങലംപരണ്ട


Family: VITACEAE
Sub-Family: Not available
English Name: Adament Creeper
Synonym: Cissus tetragona Harv.
Common Name: Bone setter
Flowering & Fruiting Period: June-February
Distribution: Widespread in the drier parts of Africa, Arabia and Indo-Malesia
Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in the plains
Uses: Ornamental. Young green stems edible - cooked. The leaves and young shoots are used in the preparation of 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 alternative 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 Characteristics: 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.