Tetrastigma leucostaphylum (Dennst.) Alston
| Etymology | Genus | From Greek, tetra=four, referring to the four-lobed stigma |
|---|---|---|
| Species | - | |
| Family | Vitaceae | |
| Synonyms | Cissus leucostaphyla Dennst. | |
| Common Names | Indian Chestnut Vine | |
| Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
| Form | Woody climber | |
| Native Distribution | Indian Subcontinent, Indochina, West Malesia | |
Diagnostics:
This is a woody climbing vine with stems that grow up to 4 cm thick and flatten out as they age. Its leaves are divided into clusters of three, five, or seven leaflets that fan out from a central point. The middle leaflet is the largest and lance-shaped, while the side leaflets are smaller and elliptic (Yeo et. al., 2012).
Interesting Facts:
This climber used to be collected in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, but of late has only been found in our nearby Nee Soon Swamp Forest, probably suggestive of its preference for wet habitats (Yeo et. al., 2012). This species is the host plant for Rafflesia hasseltii (Sofiyanti et al., 2008).
Off Mandai Track 7 (2026).
Young climber along Mandai Track 7.
Compound leaf.
Close up of petiolules.
Another view of the leaf.
Closeup of petiole to stem, also showing lenticels.
Tendrils.
References
Yeo, C. K., Ang, W. F., & Lok, A. F. S. L. (2012). Tetrastigma Planch. (Vitaceae) of Singapore: With a special note on Tetrastigma dichotomum (Bl.) Planch. Nature in Singapore, 5, 263–270.
Sofiyanti, N., Wahibah, N. N., Purwanto, D., Syahputra, E., & Mat-Salleh, K. (2008). Alkaloid and phenolic compounds of Rafflesia hasseltii Suringar and its host Tetrastigma leucostaphylum (Dennst.) Alston ex Mabb. in Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, Riau: A preliminary study. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, 9(1), 17–20.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2026-03-04