Trees & Shrubs ‹‹ Go Back

This is a woody climber found in the dry lowlands and in the low country wet zone forested areas. It is also found in the Indian Subcontinent and in Southeastern Asia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red list 2020).

The fruits, leaves and the tuber of this species is poisonous. But extracts from many parts of this plant which contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties are used in Ayurveda medicine to treat skin disorders, Hernias and to treat snake bite.

This is the only known host plant of the Ceylon lacewing butterfly, which is one of the most beautiful flying insects in the country. It also serves as one of the host plants for a second species butterfly known as the Tawny Coaster. Both these slow flying butterflies can be seen in Wilpattu. Their caterpillars retain the poisonous compounds found in the leaves even after metamorphosis. Thus, the common predators of butterflies such as birds and lizards avoid preying on them. This benefits these butterflies by enabling them to conserve energy in their search for their food as they fly at a leisurely pace.

In Wilpattu I have observed these vines at many locations throughout the park. The fruits that resemble the edible Passion Fruits are green and become bright orange when ripe. These poisonous vines produce their bell-shaped green flowers in August and the colourful fruits during October and November.