Distribution and habitat

It is found in a variety of lowland rainfall habitats, throughout tropical Africa from sea-level up to 2000 m altitude, in Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines.

Flowering and fruiting habits

Succulent climbing herb with tendrils. Stems 4-angled with wings at the angles. Leaves fleshy, very broadly ovate, variously 3-lobed; margin dentate. Inflorescences axillary, few-flowered. Fruit, a rounded fleshy berry, red when ripe. It flowers during the rainy season and sheds leaves during dry season.

Uses other than pesticidal

Traditional medicine- Used for joint and bone health and to treat feminine disorders and menopause.

Propagation and cultivation

C. quadrangularis is propagated with seeds. It can also be propagated with stem cuttings by using three internodes, left to dry, and then planted in a sandy soil.

Seed collection & Storage

One seed is formed in each fruit pod.

Parts used

Fleshy stems and leaves

Preparation

Dry and grind to powder

Uses

Mainly post-harvest uses

Target organisms

Post-harvest beetles

General

Succulent climbing herb with tendrils. Stems 4-angled with wings at the angles. Leaves fleshy, very broadly ovate, variously 3-lobed; margin dentate. Inflorescences axillary, few-flowered. Fruit red when ripe. Found in a variety of low rainfall habitats.

Plant parts with insect-controlling properties
succulent stems and leaves