Ceropegia หญ้าพันเกลียว

Ceropegia 

Ceropegia is a genus of plants within the family Apocynaceae, native to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.It was named by Carl Linnaeus, who first described this genus in his Genera plantarum, which appeared in 1737.Linnaeus referred to the description and picture of a plant in the Horti Malabarici as the plant for which the genus was created.In 1753 he named this species as Ceropegia candelabrum.Linnaeus did not explain the etymology but later explanations stated that the name Ceropegia was from the Greek word keropegionκηροπηγɩον.This means candelabrum in Latin, which has a broader range than the modern word - "a candlestick, a branched candlestick, a chandelier, candelabrum, or also lamp-stand, light-stand, sometimes of exquisite workmanship"

They have many common names including lantern flower, parasol flower, parachute flower, bushman's pipe, string of hearts, snake creeper, wine-glass vine, rosary vine, and necklace vine.Ceropegia species are traded, kept, and propagated as ornamental plants. In Africa, the roots and leaves of some species are eaten rawand the tubers in India are eaten raw or stewed in curries.

Appearance

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Ceropegia woodii

The stems are vining or trailing in most species, though a few species from the Canary Islands have erect growth habits. Among some species, such as Ceropegia woodii, the nodes swell, and the roots similarly expand to form tubers beneath the soil surface. The leaves are simple and opposite, although they can be rudimentary or absent. Especially in certain succulent species, the leaves may also be thick and fleshy.

The flowers have a tubular corolla with five petals most often fused at the tips, forming an umbrella-like canopy, a cage, or appendage-like antennae.Pollination is accomplished by flies, and species can be generalists by attracting multiple families, or extremely specialized. Ceropegia dolichophylla releases scents that attract kleptoparasitic flies by mimicking the pheromones released by predatory arthropods in distress.The flowers are often inflated and fused at several points, forming a cage. Flies become momentarily trapped inside, accomplishing pollination as they move about.

Classification

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The genus Ceropegia belongs to the subfamily Asclepiadoideae (milkweeds) within the family Apocynaceae. Species of this genus bear similarities to the carrion flowers or stapelias. There are at least 420 known species. More are being discovered and described regularly^]They are distributed throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar to the Arabian Peninsula, southeast Asia, the Canary Islands, the tropical Pacific, and Australia.

A generic complex, with many interesting taxonomic problems at both generic and specific level, is formed by three genera: Ceropegia, Brachystelma and Riocreuxia.

Over 450 species are accepted.Selected species include:

Ceropegia Species Found in Thailand

Thailand is home to several unique and newly discovered species of Ceropegia (a genus of tuberous perennial herbs and climbers in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae), many of which are endemic to specific limestone hills, dry deciduous forests, or mountain sanctuaries. 

Notable Ceropegia Species Found in Thailand

Ceropegia calcicola: A lithophytic climber with clustered fusiform roots, endemic to limestone hills in northern Thailand. 
Ceropegia thorutii: Another northern Thai limestone-dwelling climber discovered alongside C. calcicola. 
Ceropegia thaithongiae: A rare, critically endangered pendulous herb found strictly on exposed limestone cliffs in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai Province. 
Ceropegia cochleata: A perennial herb identified in the northern and northeastern hill evergreen forests, such as Phu Hin Rong Kla and Phu Ruea National Parks. 
Ceropegia phuchongensis: A perennial herb native to eastern Thailand, specifically recorded in Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park. 
Ceropegia chuakulii: A distinct species from eastern Thailand featuring erect stems and needle-like leaves. 
Ceropegia foetidiflora: A species discovered in northeastern Thailand inhabiting open areas of dry deciduous dipterocarp forests. 

🟢Ceropegia acicularis

Habitat:In sandy soil in open areas of deciduous dipterocarp forest at 139–227 m elevation. Pha Taem National Park; Ubon Ratchathani Province. 12/09/2010

Herbs, erect, with clear latex in all parts. Leaves opposite, sessile; blade straight, filiform, succulent, coriaceous, base attenuate, margins entire, apex acuminate. Flower solitary, axillary or extra-axillary. Calyx deeply 5-parted, lobes greenish or reddish brown, triangular, apex sharply acute, glabrous. Corolla tubular-urceolate, straight; corolla tube yellowish white or pinkish white, glabrous, slightly inflated at base; lobes spatulate, apex acute, outside yellowish white with reddish brown bands along margin, inside green or greenish brown; apically connate and forming a cage-like structure. Corona double. Pollinium broadly ovoid, yellow. Ovaries 2, ovoid, glabrous. Fruits follicles, usually 2, linear-lanceolate in outline, green when young, turning reddish-brown with age. Seeds oblong, with a single coma of hairs, silky white.

🟢Ceropegia boonjarasii

Twining herbs. Leaves opposite, linear or linear-laceolate, 6–14 × 0.3–1 cm, chartaceous to coriaceous, apex acute to acuminate, base cuneate, acute to obtuse with 1–2 small ovate colleters, margins entire, slightly revolute, occasionally ciliate, glabrous. Inflorescences 1–2-flowered, extra-axillary. Calyx lobes free, pale green or reddish brown, lanceolate, apex acuminate, glabrous. Corolla tubular-infundibuliform, 4–5 cm long, upright, yellowish white to greenish white with reddish brown lines along the tube length; tube glabrous, inflated at base; lobes ovate-lanceolate, apex obtuse, each lobe reduplicate from near the base, tips connate, the inner distal portion green with long purple hairs at the margins. Corona biserate; interstaminal corona joined to form a shallow cup, lobes deeply bifid, white to purplish white and covered with sparsely purple hairs. Pollinium broadly ovoid, yellow. Follicles 2, slightly diverging, linear in outline, 11–13 cm long. Seeds oblong-elliptic; coma white.

Habitat:Growing in sandy soil, among tall grasses and small shrubs, in open and semi shady areas of dry deciduous dipterocarp forest, at 200–230 m a.s.l. Phataem National Park, Ubon Ratchathani Province, 12/09/2012.

🟢Ceropegia calcicola

Ceropegia calcicola differs from the morphologically similar C. khasiana in having ovate leaves, entirely glabrous corolla and shallowly bifid interstaminal corona lobes. In contrast, C. khasiana has lanceolate or linear-lanceolate leaves, corolla tube with a ring of trichomes on the inside at the distal part of the swollen basal portion, corolla lobes that are puberulent on the adaxial surface, and deeply bifid interstaminal corona lobes.

A. Flowering branch. B. Acluster of fusiform roots. C. Open flower. D. Flower bud. E. Bottom view of flower showing calyx. F. Longitudinal section of flower showing corona and gynostegium. G. Side view of gynostegium and corona. H. Top view of gynostegium and corona. I. Pollinarium. J. Fruit.

Photos by Manit Kidyoo from M.Kidyoo 1561 (A-I) and M.Kidyoo 1640(J)

Ecology and distribution.– Ceropegia calcicola is endemic to Thailand, occurring on limestone rock in shady to open areas on limestone hills at 350–1600 m alt. It usually grows inside rock cracks or rock pools where humus soil has collected. Its branches climb up small shrubs or cliffs. Flowering occurs from July to October.

🟢 Ceropegia chuakulii

Abstract

Ceropegia chuakulii is a new species from eastern Thailand. Illustrations, photographs and comparison of diagnostic characters to the morphologically similar species, C. acicularis Kidyoo are provided. These two species are characterized by erect stems, needle-like leaves, one–flowered sessile inflorescences and spathulate corolla lobes that are connate at tips. Ceropegia chuakulii is, however, clearly distinguished from C. acicularis by its ovoid to globose corolla tube, corolla lobes being as long as corolla tube, deeply bifid interstamial corona lobes with triangular-lanceolate segments. In addition, the analyses of quantitative morphological traits of flowers also strongly supported the distinctiveness of the new species.

Ceropegia chuakulii sp. nov. (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) from eastern Thailand

🟢 Ceropegia citrina ดาวอุบล

Ceropegia citrina (locally known in Thai as หญ้าพันเกลียวดาวอุบล or "Yaa Phan Kliao Dao Ubon") is a perennial, twining herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Officially described as a new species, it is native to Thailand and primarily thrives in the seasonally dry tropical biome of the southern Isan region.

Key Characteristics & Botanical Profile
Morphology: It is a decumbent, trailing, or twining climber that grows up to 1.5 meters long, featuring a subglobose, light-brown underground tuber (rootstock) and clear latex when cut. Nearly all parts of the plant are hirsute (hairy). 
Flowers: The unique, lantern-like flowers feature a curved, funnel-shaped corolla tube. The blooms are yellowish-white or citrus-yellow (giving rise to the specific epithet citrina) with scattered reddish-brown or purple blotches. The five petals (corolla lobes) are fused at the tips, creating a cage-like structure. 
Habitat: It is natively found growing in open, rocky areas of dry deciduous dipterocarp forests—notably recorded around Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani Province. 

Ceropegia citrina, sp. nov.: a habitat in Pha Taem National Park, Ubon Ratchathani Province, taken on 14 July 2019; b, c habit; d inflorescence with a flower in side view; e flower in top view. Photographs taken by A. Kidyoo

🟢 Ceropegia cochleata  ดรุณีวัลย์

Ceropegia cochleata Kidyoo is a rare, perennial climbing or trailing herb belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), originally described from Thailand in 2015. 

Appearance: A decumbent (relying on the ground or trailing) or twining herb featuring clear latex in all its parts, opposite leaves that are elliptic to lanceolate, and unique, small complex flowers. 
Distinguishing Feature: The inner surface of the swollen basal part of its corolla tube is conspicuously hairy, and it has characteristically shaped inner coronal lobes. 
Habitat & Distribution: Native to Thailand (and later recorded in parts of Laos). It typically thrives in moist, sandy soil or on sandy rock substrates in open areas of hill evergreen forests at elevations around 1,300 meters. Known wild populations in Thailand include areas like Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. 
Cultivation Note: Outside of its natural rocky/sandy highland habitat, it is known to be a favorite target for snails, which can quickly consume the plant from top to root. 

Lan Hin Taek (Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park) 

Lan Hin Taek is about 300 meters from Patcharin Base. Some of these cracks are narrow enough to allow only the roots of the weed plant to penetrate. Some gaps are wide enough that people can step over them and some of the footprints are so wide that they cannot be jumped over. The depth of those cracks was unpredictable. This feature is assumed to be caused by the deflection or movement of the earth's surface, thus causing the bedrock to shatter. In addition, the broken rock area is covered with moss, lichens, algae, ferns and orchids.

About 1 kilometer away from the park office, there is a stone courtyard that occurs around the crack or split of the rock that lifts or compresses until a fissure is formed with different widths and depths .Rock formed by cracks or splits and is all sandstone. It used to be a battlefield where a lot of blood was lost. There are many flowering plants such as Nuanchan. Running horses, white roses, etc.

Phu Hin Rongkla np. Sep 2026

🟢 Ceropegia digitiformis

Twining herbs, with clear latex in all parts. Leaves opposite, ovate, elliptic, oblong to lanceolate, fleshy coriaceous, base acute to obtuse or rounded, apex acute to acuminate; margins entire, ciliate. Inflorescences 1‒3 flowered cyme, extra-axillary. Sepals green or green with reddish brown tint at the apex, linear-lanceolate, apex sharply acute, glabrous abaxially. Corolla tubular-funnel, upright, slightly curved; corolla tube creamy white with reddish brown bands or dots, inflated at base, glabrous; lobes triangular-ovate, apex acute to blunt, glabrous, folded outward in half lengthwise, apices connate, greenish to pinkish white with reddish brown dots and reddish brown or purple apex. Corona double. Pollinium broadly ovoid, yellow. Follicles usually 2, linear-lanceolate in outline, green when young and turning reddish brown with age. Seeds ovate-oblong; coma silky white.

Habitat:Usually found intermingled with grasses and small shrubs in dry deciduous forest at 200-500 m elevation, Phu Langka National Park, Bueng Kan Province, 14/08/2012.

🟢 Ceropegia foetidiflora

A newly discovered species from northeastern Thailand, Ceropegia foetidiflora Kidyoo, is here described and illustrated. Photographs and diagnostic comparison with the morphologically similar species, C. thorelii Costantin, are provided. These two species display clear difference in hairiness on the surfaces of the corolla tube and the corolla lobes, and shape of the corolla lobes.

KEY WORDS: Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Northeastern Thailand, Open sandy area, Strong musty smell.

Ceropegia foetidiflora is distinguished from C. thorelii by its corolla tube which is glabrous outside, lanceolate-oblong corolla lobes that are nearly as long as the tube and densely pubescent on the adaxial surface and glabrous on the abaxial surface. Contrarily, C. thorelii bears pubescent corolla tube, ovate-lanceolate corolla lobes that are shorter than the tube and hairy on the midrib of the adaxial surface and pubescent on the abaxial surface as well as margins.

Type: THAILAND. Phu Langka National Park, Bueng Kan Province, 520 m a.s.l., 14 August 2012, M. Kidyoo 1557 (holotype: BKF, isotype: BCU).

🟢 Ceropegia phuchongensis

A new species from Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park, Ubon Ratchathani Province, eastern Thailand, Ceropegia phuchongensis Kidyoo & K. Suwann. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), is described, illustrated and compared with the related C. tenuicaulisKidyoo. The new species differs in corolla tube shape, color and trichomes inside the corolla tube, as well as pollinium and corpusculum shape. In addition, the gynostegium surfaces of the two species also support the distinctiveness of the new species.

Diagnosis: Ceropegia phuchongensis differs from C. tenuicaulis in having an ovoid to globose corolla tube of 0.7–1.0 cm length and 0.6–0.9 diam. which is inflated at its mid-length. The interior of this inflated part is yellowish white with irregular purplish brown dots and stripes, and densely covered with wrinkled, whitish trichomes of 0.9– 1.5 mm length. In contrast, C. tenuicaulis has an ovoidtubular corolla tube of 1.7–2.2 cm length and 0.5–0.6 cm diam. The tube has a slightly inflated basal portion and a long narrow upper part. The interior of its inflated part is plain purplish brown and covered with scattered white trichomes of 0.7–1.4 mm length.

Khaoyai np.oct 2025

Etymology: Ceropegia phuchongensis is named after the Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park, the type locality.

Distribution and habitat: Ceropegia phuchongensis is currently known from only two localities in eastern Thailand. This plant is a perennial herb growing in sandy soil among tall grasses in the open area of dry deciduous dipterocarp 

🟢 Ceropegia suddeei ว่านสามพี่น้องสุดดี

Perennial erect herb, with clear latex in all parts. Leaves opposite, linear to linear-lanceolate, slightly V-shaped in cross section, coriaceous, attenuate at base, acute to acuminate at apex, margins entire, lightly revolute with scattered hairs. Inflorescence a 1-flowered cyme, axillary or extra-axillary. Calyx deeply 5-parted; sepals yellowish green to green, linear-lanceolate, sharply acute at apex, glabrous. Corolla tubular-urceolate, upright, not curved; corolla tube almost brown to purple–brown with 5 white bands opposite to the sepals, glabrous, slightly inflated at base; lobes narrowly linear-lanceolate, drawn out into long tails, brown to purple–brown; basal part loosely twisted; margins slightly reflexed; upper parts overlapping and tightly right twisted. Corona double. Pollinium broadly ovoid, yellow. Ovaries 2, glabrous. Follicles usually 2, linear-lanceolate in outline, green when young and turning reddish–brown with age. Seeds oblong, coma silky white.

An endemic species growing in deciduous dipterocarp forest, usually on sandy soil in open areas at altitudes about 400 m a.s.l. Phu Phan National Park, Sakon Nakhon Province. 13/06/2011

🟢 Ceropegia thailandica

A new species from Thailand, Ceropegia thailandica Meve (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae) is described and illustrated. The new species is related to the Indian C. spiralis, and belongs to a group of tuberous, non-twining, grass-like species that are widespread on the Indian subcontinent. The single, exeedingly long-stalked flowers with ovoid basal inflations and very long, tightly spiralled corolla lobes, leaving only small and characteristically auriculate openings for insect visitors, make the new species an unrivalled appearance in Ceropegia.

Ceropegia thailandica (Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae), a spectacular new Thai species

Type: THAILAND. Phu Langka National Park, Bueng Kan Province, 520 m a.s.l., 11 July 2026

🟢 Ceropegia thaithongiae

Ceropegia thaithongiae sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from northern Thailand and preliminary observations on impacts of climate change on its only known population

A new pendulous herb, Ceropegia thaithongiae Kidyoo (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), is described from northern Thailand. This plant is strictly endemic to Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and critically endangered owing to it living in an ecosystem affected by frequent natural disturbances. It is here described, illustrated and compared to the similar species, C. mairei. Both species have fusiform rootstocks, 1–2-flowered cymes, deeply bifid outer corona lobes and linear, hairy inner corona lobes. However, the new species can be distinguished by its glabrous stem, leaf covered with hairs on both surfaces and glabrous corolla tube and lobes.

🟢 Ceropegia tenuicaulis

Herbs, erect, with clear latex in all parts. Leaves opposite, sessile, linear to linear-lanceolate, coriaceous, base attenuate, margins entire, slightly revolute, apex acute to acuminate. Inflorescence 1–flowered cyme, axillary or extra-axillary. Calyx deeply 5-parted, lobes yellowish green or green, narrowly lanceolate, glabrous, apex sharply acute, pink. Corolla tubular-urceolate, straight; corolla tube purplish or reddish brown, glabrous, slightly inflated at base; lobes linear, long caudate, outside brown or purplish brown, inside green or greenish brown, margins slightly reflexed, auriculate; upper parts overlapping and dextrorsely tightly twisted. Corona double. Pollinium broadly ovoid, yellow. Ovaries 2, ovoid, glabrous. Fruits follicles, usually 2, linear-lanceolate in outline, green when young, turning reddish brown with age. Seeds ovate-oblong, with a single coma of hairs, silky white.

In sandy soil among tall grasses in open area of deciduous dipterocarp forest at about 230 m elevation.Pha Taem National Park; Ubon Ratchathani Province13/09/2010

🟢 Ceropegia tribounii

Herbs, erect, with clear latex in all parts. Leaves opposite, decussate, sessile, linear to linear-lanceolate, coriaceous, base attenuate, margin entire, slightly revolute, apex acute to acuminate. Flower solitary, extra-axillary, sessile. Sepals yellowish-green or green, narrowly lanceolate, glabrous, apex sharply acute. Corolla tubular-urceolate, upright, straight to slightly curved; corolla tube yellow to yellowish-white with 5 purple lines alternate the sepal, base slightly inflated to a narrow ovoid shape; corolla lobes yellow, speckled yellowish-brown at apex, broadly obovate, apex shortly acuminate, connate at tips. Gynostegial corona double, interstaminal lobes joined to form a shallow cup, purple, shortly pilose inside; staminal corona lobes terete, yellowish-purple. Pollinium broadly ovoid, yellow. Follicles usually 2, linear-lanceolate in outline. Seeds ovate-oblong, coma silky white 

In sandy, calcarious soil in the open area of limestone mountain, about 700 m elevation. near Thi Mo Bo waterfall, Tha Song Yang district, Tak, 04/08/2013.

🟢 Ceropegia thorutii

Ceropegia thorutii is similar to C. elegans in having pedunculate cyme, strongly curved corolla tube being inflated at base, broadly ovate-triangular corolla lobes shorter than corolla tube and joined at tips forming a subglobose dome, but can be distinguished by its glabrous corolla tube being slightly inflated at base, bifid interstaminal corona lobes with triangular segments being shorter than half the length of the staminal corona lobes, and spathulate-clavate staminal corona lobes.

Ceropegia thorutii Kidyoo. A. Habitat. B. Habit. C. Side view of flower. D. Top view of flower. Photos by Manit Kidyoolobes. 

Ecology and distribution.– Ceropegia thorutii is endemic to Thailand, occurring on limestone rock in shady areas within highland limestone forest at 1,500–1,600 m alt. It grows inside rock cracks or rock pools where humus soil has collected or in calcareous soil intermingled with other herbs and small shrubs. Its stem and branches usually climb up on small shrubs and cliffs, or branches can be pendent. Flowering occurs in July–October.

🟢 Ceropegia sp.

Khaoyai Np. Oct 2025

🟢 Ceropegia sp.

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