Gynostemma (Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 16: 179 (1902))

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Author: (Thunb.) Makino

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 16: 179 (1902)

Year: 1902

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gynostemma

Vegetable: False

Observations: Himalaya to Japan and New Guinea

Description

Gynostemma, scientifically known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is a remarkable member of the Cucurbitaceae family. First documented in 1902 by the botanist who cited it in the Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 16: 179, this climbing vine has garnered attention for its resilience and extensive range. The plant is a stalwart presence in a variety of habitats, from the towering heights of the Himalayas to the islands of Japan and the tropical climates of New Guinea.

Gynostemma is lauded for its lush greenery and delicate, tendril-clad structure. It features five leaflets per leaf, creating a hand-like appearance that makes it easily identifiable in the wild. This verdant climber is not only an aesthetic addition to gardens and natural landscapes but also holds a revered place in traditional medicine, particularly within Asian cultures. Often referred to as “Southern Ginseng,” it boasts similar adaptogenic properties, believed to enhance vitality and balance bodily functions.

The plant thrives in well-drained soils and prefers a semi-shaded environment, making it versatile and relatively easy to cultivate. Gardeners and botanists alike value Gynostemma for its hardiness and the ease with which it can be propagated, either through seeds or cuttings.

In addition to its visual appeal and medicinal virtues, Gynostemma pentaphyllum is utilized for its culinary benefits. Its leaves can be consumed fresh, brewed into teas, or even used as a garnish, adding a touch of nutritional benefit to various dishes.

As a testament to nature’s adaptability and bounty, Gynostemma continues to intrigue and inspire plant enthusiasts worldwide. It stands as a vibrant example of the diverse flora that spans across continents, enriching ecosystems from the mountainous terrains of the Himalayas to the coastal regions of New Guinea. Whether admired for its beauty, cherished for its health benefits, or utilized in culinary practices, Gynostemma pentaphyllum remains a plant of significant cultural and botanical importance.

Common Names

Swe: gynostemma
Eng: gynostemma
En: Gynostemma
Zh: Jiao gu lan, 絞股藍, 绞股蓝
Cs: Gynostema pětilistá
Nl: Jiaogulan
Ko: Doloe, 돌외
Ru: Гиностемма пятилистная
Sk: Ženšen päťlistý
Sv: Gynostemma
Zh-tw: 絞股藍
Th: เจี๋ยวกู่หลาน
Zh-hant: 絞股藍
Vi: Giảo cổ lam

Synonyms

• Vitis martini (H.Lév. & Vaniot)
• Vitis pentaphylla (Thunb.)
• Vitis mairei (H.Lév.)
• Gynostemma pubescens ((Gagnep.) C.Y.Wu)
• Alsomitra cissoides (M.Roem.)
• Gynostemma cissoides ((Wall.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav.)
• Zanonia laxa (Wall.)
• Vitis atroviridis (Wall.)
• Gynostemma wightianum ((Arn.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex B.D.Jacks.)
• Gynostemma burmanicum (King ex Chakrav.)
• Gynostemma blumei (Hassk.)
• Enkylia trigyna (Griff.)
• Enkylia digyna (Griff.)
• Gynostemma crenulatum (Ridl.)
• Gynostemma winkleri (Cogn.)
• Vitis trichophora (Wall.)
• Gynostemma pedatum var. hupehense (Pamp.)
• Zanonia wightiana (Arn.)
• Alsomitra laxa ((Wall.) M.Roem.)
• Gynostemma pedatum var. trifoliatum (Hayata)
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum var. dasycarpum (C.Y.Wu)
• Zanonia cissoides (Wall.)
• Gynostemma burmanicum var. molle (C.Y.Wu)
• Gynostemma siamicum (Craib)
• Gynostemma trigynum (M.A.Lawson)
• Gynostemma simplicifolium (Blume)
• Pestalozzia pedata ((Blume) Zoll. & Moritzi)
• Pestalozzia laxa (Thwaites)
• Vitis quelpaertensis (H.Lév.)
• Gynostemma pedatum (Blume)
• Gynostemma laxum ((Wall.) Cogn.)
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum f. knemandrum (W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes)
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum f. simplicifolium ((Blume) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes)
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum f. dasycarpum ((C.Y.Wu) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes)
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum f. fasciculare (W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes)
• Zanonia pedata ((Blume) Miq.)
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum f. grandiflorum (W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 30, 2022 by Simsala Zara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Banana Bread (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Banana Bread (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Kim Peters (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Hans-Peter Minzer (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Joey F (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Bonne Eigenhuis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by julie la Flamande (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Otero Mary (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 5, 2020 by Kamil Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2020 by Kamil Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2020 by Kamil Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Loïc Renaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Marie Paufler (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 11, 2022 by Araújo Manuela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2019 by Gareldo Garretti (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Joey F (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:292905-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7317960)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino)

Specifications

Growth