| Etymology | Genus | Hook; referring to the characteristic recurved hooks of this genus |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Having heart-shaped leaves | |
| Family | Rubiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Restiaria cordata Lour. | |
| Common Names | Heart-shaped Uncaria | |
| Status | Native: Endangered | |
| Form | Climber | |
| Native Distribution | Indochina, Malesia, and Queensland | |
Diagnostics:
One must know how to identify an Uncaria species first, which is a climber, with opposite leaves and have a pair of large recurved hooks at the base of the petioles. Uncaria cordata has broad large leaves with cordate bases and have a diagnostic bi-lobed stipule (Tan et al., 1995).
Interesting Facts:
The Heart-shaped Uncaria can be found in the Central Catchment and Bukit Timah Nature Reserves.
Form of the Heart-shaped Uncaria climbing at a forest fringe at Mandai Track 7.
Leaves are opposite with heart-shaped bases.
Recuved hooks. The stipule is divided into two lobes, a diagnostic feature.
Ball of yellow-white flowers.
References
Tan HTW, KS Chua & TM Turner. (1995) Rubiaceae of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Gardens' Bulletin Supplement, 3: 29-59.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-10-08 / Modified: 2017-12-25