Status:
valid
Authors:
Tsiang
Source:
cmp
Year:
1941
Citation Micro:
Sunyatsenia 6: 133 (1941)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000712220
Common Names
- Foetidum Gymnema
- Gymnema foetidum
- Foetidum
Description
Gymnema foetidum (also called Stinking Gymnema, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asclepiadaceae. It is a woody climber with small, white flowers. It is native to tropical Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. It is found in tropical and subtropical forests, thickets, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Gymnema foetidum is used as a traditional medicine to treat diabetes, as well as to reduce appetite and cravings for sweets. It is also used to treat asthma, fever, and digestive issues. Additionally, it is used to improve memory and cognitive function.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Gymnema foetidum has small, white flowers with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Gymnema foetidum is a fast-growing, semi-succulent, perennial climber that can be propagated by cuttings. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C). The stems can be cut back in late winter to encourage new growth.
Where to Find Gymnema foetidum
Gymnema foetidum can be found in the tropical forests of India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Gymnema foetidum FAQ
What is the common name of Gymnema foetidum?
Foul-smelling Gymnema
What is the native range of Gymnema foetidum?
India
What are the uses of Gymnema foetidum?
It is used in traditional medicine for diabetes, cancer, and other conditions
Species in the Gymnema genus
Gymnema acuminatum,
Gymnema albidum,
Gymnema albiflorum,
Gymnema calycinum,
Gymnema chalmersii,
Gymnema cumingii,
Gymnema cuspidatum,
Gymnema decaisneanum,
Gymnema elegans,
Gymnema erianthum,
Gymnema foetidum,
Gymnema glabrum,
Gymnema griffithii,
Gymnema hainanense,
Gymnema inodorum,
Gymnema lacei,
Gymnema lactiferum,
Gymnema latifolium,
Gymnema longiretinaculatum,
Gymnema lushaiense,
Gymnema macranthum,
Gymnema macrothyrsa,
Gymnema mariae,
Gymnema molle,
Gymnema montanum,
Gymnema piperii,
Gymnema recurvifolium,
Gymnema rotundatum,
Gymnema schlechterianum,
Gymnema spirei,
Gymnema sylvestre,
Gymnema thorelii,
Gymnema uncarioides,
Gymnema yunnanense,
Gymnema indicum,
Gymnema syringaefolium,
Gymnema lacei,
Species in the Apocynaceae family
Acokanthera laevigata,
Acokanthera oblongifolia,
Acokanthera oppositifolia,
Acokanthera rotundata,
Acokanthera schimperi,
Adenium boehmianum,
Adenium multiflorum,
Adenium obesum,
Adenium oleifolium,
Adenium swazicum,
Adenium dhofarense,
Aganosma breviloba,
Aganosma cymosa,
Aganosma gracilis,
Aganosma lacei,
Aganosma petelotii,
Aganosma schlechteriana,
Aganosma siamensis,
Aganosma wallichii,
Aganosma heynei,
Alafia alba,
Alafia barteri,
Alafia benthamii,
Alafia berrieri,
Alafia calophylla,
Alafia caudata,
Alafia erythrophthalma,
Alafia falcata,
Alafia fuscata,
Alafia insularis,
Alafia intermedia,
Alafia landolphioides,
Alafia lucida,
Alafia microstylis,
Alafia multiflora,
Alafia nigrescens,
Alafia orientalis,
Alafia parciflora,
Alafia pauciflora,
Alafia perrieri,
Alafia schumannii,
Alafia thouarsii,
Alafia vallium,
Alafia verschuereni,
Alafia whytei,
Alafia zambesiaca,
Allamanda calcicola,
Allamanda angustifolia,
Allamanda blanchetii,
Allamanda cathartica,