Tapevine (Stephania japonica, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, 18: 14 (1866))

Family: Menispermaceae

Author: (Thunb.) Miers

Bibliography: Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, 18: 14 (1866)

Year: 1866

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stephania

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to S. Pacific

Description

Tapevine, scientifically known as Stephania japonica, is a fascinating plant that boasts a significant presence across various tropical and subtropical regions, stretching from Asia to the South Pacific. The first detailed description of this species was published in 1866 in the Annals of the Magazine of Natural History, providing valuable insights into its characteristics and natural habitat.

Belonging to the Menispermaceae family, Tapevine is a climbing vine that showcases the intricate and delicate features typical of its kin. Its slender stems support broad, heart-shaped leaves that can captivate anyone with their lush green hue and symmetrical veins. The vine’s climbing nature allows it to thrive in dense forested areas, where it elegantly weaves through trees and other vegetation, creating a picturesque green tapestry.

The distribution of Stephania japonica speaks volumes about its adaptability and resilience. Found throughout the warm, humid regions of tropical and subtropical Asia and extending to the islands of the South Pacific, Tapevine flourishes in environments that offer ample rainfall and rich, fertile soil. This widespread occurrence also highlights the plant’s ecological importance; it serves as part of the intricate web of biodiversity in these ecosystems.

In traditional medicine, various parts of Tapevine have been used for their potential therapeutic properties. Although scientific research on its medicinal uses is ongoing, the plant remains an integral part of herbal remedies in several cultures, indicating its historical and cultural significance.

Stephania japonica is not just a botanical wonder for its aesthetic appeal but also for its role in maintaining ecological balance. Its widespread presence across diverse geographies and climates underscores its importance in biodiversity and its enduring resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Common Names

Eng: snake vine, ivyweed, tapevine
En: Tapevine, Ivyweed, Snake vine
Bn: আকনাদি
Zh: Qian jin teng, 千金藤
Ne: बाटुलीपाते
Zh-tw: 千金藤

Synonyms

• Menispermum japonicum (Thunb.)
• Cocculus japonicus ((Thunb.) DC.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Korea (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marquesas (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Norfolk Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Society Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tonga (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Mairead Young (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Kamil Brozka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Kamil Brozka (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Kamil Brozka (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (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)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7268792)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:581449-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers)

Specifications

Growth