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Stemona
Stemona japonica
γγ£γ―γ
A climbing perennial herb of mountain forest edges and grasslands. Its slender stems twine around other plants. The fusiform tuberous roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine as 'Baibu' (Stemonae Radix), serving as an antitussive and insecticide.
Identification Points
- βClimbing habit with twining stems; leaves broadly ovate with prominent arcuate venation
- βFlowers axillary, 4-tepaled, greenish-white to pale yellow
- βRoots fusiform and tuberous
Habitat
Mountain forest edges and grasslands
Season
MayβJune (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Vine
Habitat
Mountain
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Palmate
Leaf margin
Entire
Petal count
4 petals
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Phylogenetic Positionγγ£γ―γη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Monocots > Pandanales > Stemonaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene
Evolution Notes
Stemonaceae is a monocot lineage considered close to Pandanales, having developed a unique chemical defense by accumulating alkaloids in its roots.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification