Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis

Eriksson, R. (2007). A Synopsis of Basellaceae. Kew Bulletin, 62(2), 297-320. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20443356

Type

Orig. unknown, cult. in Hort. Regio Neapolitano, "Boussingaultia cordifolia Ten." (lectotype NAP, designated by Eriksson 1996: 70, photo negative NAP!) .

Morphology General Habit

Twining vine

Morphology Stem

Stem glabrous, producing axillary tubers

Morphology Leaves

Leaf blades 2.5 - 10 x 1.5 - 7.5 cm, ovate to often cordate, at base often cordate or sometimes truncate to rounded, at apex acute or rarely obtuse

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences uIp to c. 50 cm long, usually lax and much branched, or sometimes unbranched, with rather slender axis

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Pedicel

Pedicels 0.5 - 3.5 mm long, often rather slender

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracteoles

Bracteoles persistent, triangular to very broadly ovate, connate at base forming a cup

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers bisexual-Sepals 1.5 - 3 x 1.5 - 2.5 mm, usually distinctly shorter than petals, rarely almost equalling them in length, patent, broadly ovate to broadly elliptic, at anthesis white, in fruit ± dark brown

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals 2 - 4 x 1.5 - 2.5 mm, uniform, patent, elliptic to obovate, at anthesis white, in fruit ± dark brown

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Anthers

Anthers pale, probably whitish yellow

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style 1, 3-parted >7/2 of its length, sometimes almost to the base

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit surrounded at base by the persistent, patent perianth.

Distribution

Native to southern and central South America and cultivated as ornamental in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. This species is often naturalised after having escaped cultivation, and in some parts of the world it has become an aggressive weed.

Vernacular

Heartleaf madeira vine, Madeira vine, and mignonette vine are the most widespread names.

Note

Anredera cordifolia is distinguished by its distinctly pedicellate flowers with a perianth that dries dark brown and is spreading also in fruit, and the distinctly 3-parted style. The flowers of the other species with 3-parted style dry pale. Furthermore, the inflorescences are usually large and richly branched with numerous flowers, which explain its popularity as an ornamental plant. It usually reproduces by its tubers in areas outside the native one. Anredera cordifolia is rather polymorphic, but the variation is such that no infraspecific taxa can be recognised. Its closest relationships are somewhat obscure. This species has become a major problem in some areas where it has been naturalised due to its invasiveness (e.g. Starr et al. 2003). It is difficult to control because of its rapid growth and very effective vegetative reproduction by means of the tubers. Tenore (1853) probably based the description of Boussingaultia cordifolia on cultivated individuals as well as a specimen in his own herbarium. The herbarium specimen was designated as lectotype by Eriksson (1996).

Use Environmental

Environmental uses.

Use Food

Used for food.

Use Medicines

Medical uses.