Stephania Cephalantha
Contents
Description
Stephania Cephalantha is a species of herbaceous vine that belongs to the Menispermaceae family. It is a perennial plant that is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in the countries of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The plant has a slow-growing nature and is known for its medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Stephania |
Appearance
The Stephania Cephalantha plant has a twining habit and can grow up to 3-4 meters in length. Its leaves are heart-shaped, lobed, and glossy with a dark green color. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruits are small, fleshy, and red in color.
Care Guide
Water: The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water the plant regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Do not over-fertilize as it can lead to excessive growth.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite to provide good drainage.
Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Stephania Cephalantha plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. It can also be prone to root rot if overwatered. To prevent these pests and diseases, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Stephania Cephalantha plant is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in the countries of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It grows in tropical rainforests and prefers to grow in shaded areas with moist soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Stephania Cephalantha be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil.
Q: Can the plant be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or by division of the rhizomes.
Q: What is the medicinal property of Stephania Cephalantha?
A: The plant is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties.
Q: Is the plant toxic?
A: The plant contains toxic alkaloids and should not be ingested.
Related Plants
- Stephania erecta
- Stephania japonica
- Stephania glabra
- Stephania venosa
References
- “Stephania Cephalantha.” The Plant List. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2591862
- “Stephania Cephalantha.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=291510
- “Stephania Cephalantha.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=2591862
