Image: Wikimedia Commons (See link for license)
Skunkvine
Paederia scandens
γγ―γ½γ«γΊγ©
A climbing perennial in the madder family. A common weed in thickets and roadsides. In summer it produces small white flowers with a crimson-red throat (the 'freckled' look). Crushing the leaves or stems releases a distinctive stench β the origin of its Japanese name 'he-kuso-kazura' ('fart-dung vine'). Also called 'yaito-bana' or 'saotome-bana'. A seasonal word for summer.
Identification Points
- βTwining vine climbing on other plants
- βOvate-lanceolate opposite leaves
- βWhite flowers with deep-red center, ~1 cm across
Habitat
Fields, thickets, roadsides, fences
Season
July to September (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf type
Simple
Growth form
Vine
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Flower color
White
Flowering season
Summer
Habitat
Roadside
Phylogenetic Positionγ’γ«γη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core Eudicots > Gentianales > Rubiaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous (ca. 80 million years ago)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification