Scientific name: Cissus quadrangularis L.
Family: Vitaceae
Synonym: Cissus edulis Dalzell, Vitis quadrangularis (L.) Wall. ex Wight
Bengali/Vernacular name: Harjora, Charkona lota, Harbhangalata (Bengali); Haptabanga (Noakhali).
Tribal name: Hatvanga daru (Chakma); Arang jura, Diggi-threngi, Moi-bhanga (Garo); Harsanga, Pyandhum (Marma); Hutam khang (Murang); Aroow-cha-sthei, Zejonglasa (Rakhaing).
English name: Edible stemmed-vine, Veld grape, Winged treebine, Devil’s backbone.
Description of the plant: A large climber with succulent stem much contracted at the nodes, quadrangular. Leaves fleshy, reniform, broadly ovate, denticulate, and obtuse at the apex. Flowers 4-merous, reddish. Fruit a berry, globose, red when ripe.
Plant parts used: Stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses: A paste is made with the stems of the plant, then a plaster is made on the fractured bone with that paste and binding tightly it should be kept for 15 days to treat it.
Leaves of young shoots, dried and powdered, used for bowel complaints associated with indigestion.
Fresh juice is extracted from the stems of the plant is taken to treat asthma, malaria, and scurvy.
Powder made from the stems of the plant is taken to treat diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and peptic ulcer disease.
A fresh juice is extracted from the stems of the plant is taken with little amount of honey to treat menorrhagia.
Distribution: This species occurs in the district of Chittagong, Sylhet, Dhaka, and in the Shundarbans.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
