Contents
Description
Cocculus Orbiculatus, also known as the Chinese moonseed or Gou Teng, is a woody vine that belongs to the Menispermaceae family. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant produces small fruits that resemble grapes, which are not edible due to their high toxicity. The leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes and have sedative, antispasmodic, and analgesic effects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Cocculus |
Appearance
Cocculus Orbiculatus is a perennial vine that can grow up to 30 feet in length. The plant has a woody stem that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. The leaves are green, alternate, and heart-shaped with a pointed tip. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The fruit of the plant is a small, round, and green berry that turns black when ripe. The berries contain a single seed and are not edible due to their high toxicity.
Care Guide
Cocculus Orbiculatus is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization. However, you can fertilize the plant once a year during the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. – Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cocculus Orbiculatus is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, here are some common pests and diseases that may affect the plant:- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky substance on the plant.- Powdery mildew: This disease can cause a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant.
Habitat
Cocculus Orbiculatus is native to China, Japan, and Korea and is commonly found in forests, thickets, and along streams. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cocculus Orbiculatus toxic?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic, and the berries are not edible.
Q: Is Cocculus Orbiculatus easy to care for?
A: Yes, the plant is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal attention.
Q: Can Cocculus Orbiculatus grow in full sun?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial shade.
Q: How tall can Cocculus Orbiculatus grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 30 feet in length.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cocculus Orbiculatus:- Cocculus laurifolius- Cocculus hirsutus- Cocculus villosus- Cocculus trilobus
References
– “Cocculus orbiculatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287808.- “Cocculus orbiculatus.” Plants For A Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cocculus+orbiculatus.
