Marsdenia Edulis

Description

Marsdenia Edulis, also known as Sagotia Edulis, is a climbing plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically to the Philippines and Malaysia. The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine due to its medicinal properties.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Gentianales
Family	Apocynaceae
Genus	Marsdenia

Appearance

The Marsdenia Edulis plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are smooth to the touch. It has small white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a cylindrical pod that is around 3-4 inches long. The pod turns yellow when it is ripe and contains numerous seeds that are surrounded by a white, cotton-like substance.

Care Guide

Water: The Marsdenia Edulis plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil.

Sunlight: The Marsdenia Edulis plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. However, it can also tolerate partial shade.

Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Marsdenia Edulis plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. It can also be affected by root rot if overwatered.

Habitat

The Marsdenia Edulis plant is native to Southeast Asia, specifically to the Philippines and Malaysia. It can be found growing in lowland rainforests and in disturbed areas along roadsides and in gardens.

Question and Answer

Q1: Is the Marsdenia Edulis plant toxic to humans?

A1: No, the plant is not toxic to humans. However, the seeds should not be consumed as they can cause digestive issues.

Q2: Can the Marsdenia Edulis plant be grown indoors?

A2: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.

Q3: How often should the Marsdenia Edulis plant be fertilized?

A3: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.

Q4: What is the medicinal use of the Marsdenia Edulis plant?

A4: The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine as a treatment for coughs, colds, and fever.

Related Plants

• Marsdenia Tinctoria
• Marsdenia Condurango
• Marsdenia Cundurango

References

• “Marsdenia Edulis.” Useful Tropical Plants. Web. 10 Aug. 2021. <http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Marsdenia+edulis>.
• “Marsdenia Edulis.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Web. 10 Aug. 2021. <http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:94285-1>.
• “Marsdenia Edulis.” World Flora Online. Web. 10 Aug. 2021. <http://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000310735>.