About Telosma cordata (Burm.fil.) Merr.
Telosma cordata is a climbing creeper that can reach heights of 2 to 5 meters. Its stems are small, round, and very tough, and are known to be poisonous to pigs. As the plant matures, its stems change color from green to brown. Young upper growth is covered in dense white pubescence, and the plant can grow to completely cover other trees. This species can be reproduced via cuttings or seeds, and grows best in well-aerated soil with full bright sunlight. It occurs naturally in evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, grove woods, and dry forests throughout Indo-China. The young upper shoots, fruit, and flowers of Telosma cordata are all edible as vegetables, with the young upper shoots believed to be the most nutritious part. Its flowers are used in desserts, and also used ornamentally in bouquets and wreaths. The tough vines of this plant can be used as rope, and its wood is sometimes used for construction. Telosma cordata is also used in traditional medicine, as an antipyretic, a poison antidote, a tranquilizer, and to relieve back pain.
