Contents
Description
Arcangelisia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Menispermaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The genus is composed of only two species: Arcangelisia flava and Arcangelisia gusanlung.Arcangelisia plants are known for their medicinal properties. They contain isoquinoline alkaloids that have been found to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. The plants are traditionally used in Southeast Asian medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Arcangelisia |
Appearance
Arcangelisia plants are woody vines that can climb up to 15 meters in height. They have large, heart-shaped leaves that are up to 30 centimeters in length. The plants produce small, greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in panicles. The fruit of the plant is a drupe that is purple-black in color and contains a single seed.
Care Guide
Water
Arcangelisia plants prefer moist soil, so it is important to water them regularly. However, make sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Arcangelisia plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
Arcangelisia plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
Arcangelisia plants prefer partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness Zones
Arcangelisia plants are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arcangelisia plants are susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. They may also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Habitat
Arcangelisia plants are native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. They grow in a variety of habitats, including rainforests and disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: What are some of the medicinal properties of Arcangelisia plants?
A: Arcangelisia plants contain isoquinoline alkaloids that have been found to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. They are traditionally used in Southeast Asian medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Q: What type of soil do Arcangelisia plants prefer?
A: Arcangelisia plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Arcangelisia plants?
A: Arcangelisia plants are susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. They may also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Arcangelisia plants?
A: Arcangelisia plants are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
- Stephania
- Cocculus
- Tinospora
References
- Chiranthanut, N., & Trisonthi, C. (2016). Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr. In vitro culture and production of isoquinoline alkaloids. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant, 52(6), 647-654.
- Sholihah, A. R., Nuruddeen, A. M., & Abdul, J. (2017). Arcangelisia flava: A review on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicology. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 12(6), 462-472.
- Wang, X. N., Li, Q., Liu, Y. H., Zhao, H., & Cai, X. H. (2015). Alkaloids from Arcangelisia gusanlung and their antitumor activities. Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 17(4), 392-398.
