Changes

<big>''[[Cayratia]]'' A.H.L. Juss.</big>

__NOTOC__

:Protologue: Dict. Sci. Nat. 10: 103 (1818).

== Major species ==

== Vernacular names ==

In South-East Asia, different plant parts of ''Cayratia'' are commonly applied for fever. In Peninsular Malaysia, the leaves of ''C. japonica'', boiled with an onion and lime, are applied to the head to cure violent headaches. The dried and powdered flowers are employed for fever. In Sumatra, all aerial parts are applied for fevers, including malaria. In the Solomon Islands, the leaves are rubbed on the stomach to relieve constipation. In China, the aerial parts or the roots are widely used for fever, and also to resolve toxins in mumps, jaundice and dysentery and disperse swellings in rheumatism. The mucilaginous roots are also employed to treat cancerous affections, and also act as a diuretic to treat haematuria. In decoction, the roots are applied for mastitis. Pounded leaves are put on scorpion stings and centipede bites.

In Peninsular Malaysia and East New Britain, the leaves of ''C. trifolia'' are commonly used for poulticing ulcers of the nose. The leaves or roots also act as a rubefacient, drawing blood to the surface. The leaves or roots in decoction are used as a fomentation for high fever, resulting in perspiration. The juice from the leaves and stems may also be drunk, diluted in water, for the same purpose. In Java, the juice of the leaves, together with the juice of young pineapple, may be used on the head for itch and dandruff. In Thailand, the leaves and roots are used for fever and as an astringent, the stem as an expectorant, carminative and blood purifier. The stem is applied to relieve vertigo, fainting, internal bruises, boils and nose ulcers. In the Philippines and Thailand, a decoction of the leaves or the juice of the fresh leaves is considered antiscorbutic. In India, the ground root, together with black pepper (''Piper nigrum'' L.), is applied to boils, as an astringent and disinfectant. In Vietnam, the sap from the cut stem is drunk, but no use is given.

In Japan, nectar secretion in ''C. japonica'' lasts for 2 days, and nectar volume peaks at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, with a sugar concentration of 60%. The commonest visitors were the ant ''Lasius niger'' and the wasp ''Vespa xanthoptera''.

== Other botanical information ==

== Diseases and pests ==

''Cayratia'' is also an alternative host for the cotton aphid (''Aphis gossypii''). ''C. japonica'' is an alternative host for the Lepidopteran ''Scrobigera amatrix'', which feeds on the leaves of grapes.

* Ridley, H.N., 1922. The flora of the Malay Peninsula. Vol. 1. Government of the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States. L. Reeve & Co, London, United Kingdom. pp. 470-479.

* Zhou, J.Y., Ma, H., Guo, F.X. & Luo, X.T., 1994. Effect of thidiazuron on somatic embryogenesis of Cayratia japonica. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 36(1): 73-79.

== Authors ==

[[Category:Medicinal plants (PROSEA)]]

[[Category:PROSEA]]