Telosma procumbens | |
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Kapas-kapas flowers | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Apocynaceae |
Genus: | Telosma |
Species: | T. procumbens |
Binomial name | |
Telosma procumbens (Blanco) Merr. | |
Synonyms | |
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Telosma procumbens, also known as latok, kapas-kapas, dukep, or sabidukong, among many other names, is a species of flowering plant native to the islands of the Philippines and parts of southeastern China and Vietnam. It is a woody vine with elongated heart-shaped leaves. It bears clusters of yellowish green odorless flowers with five twisted-looking fleshy petals arranged in a star shape. These develop into spearhead-shaped fruits with four thin lengthwise ridges ("wings"). The fruit contains multiple seeds stacked in a column. Each seed has a long white feathery tail that allows it to be dispersed by the wind.
The flowers and immature fruit rinds are eaten in Filipino cuisine, with a taste and texture similar to winged beans or string beans.
See also
References
- ^ Plants of the World Online (POWO), retrieved 16 May 2021
- Taculao, Patricia Blanca (24 February 2021). "Seven crops indigenous to the Philippines". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- Maghirang, Rodel G. (14 January 2017). "Kapas-kapas: An Indigenous Vegetable". Agriculture Monthly. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
Taxon identifiers | |
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Telosma procumbens | |
Pergularia procumbens |