Tinospora sinensis - Malabar Moonseed

Malabar Moonseed is a deciduous, climbing shrub with stem prominently having scattered lenticels. It is now considered a threatened plant. Bark is papery, greyish white. Latex is watery. Tender branches have distinct white hairs. Leaves are alternate, broadly ovate 7-17 x 4-13 cm, base heart-shaped, tip long-pointed, sparingly velvety in upper surface and densely velvety in lower surface, basal nerves 5-7. Leaf stalk is up to 10 cm long, hairy. Flowers are formed in racemes from the axils of fallen leaves and also on the old stem, greenish yellow, many, 5 mm across. Male and female flowers are seen separately in the same plant. Round fruits occur in clusters of 1-3, about 1.5 cm across, turning orange-red when ripe. Malabar Moonseed is found in Indian Subcontinent to China and Indo-China, including East Himalaya. Flowering: December-February.