Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Genus:
Species:
lactiferum
ID:
712905

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) R.Br. ex Schult.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1820

Citation Micro:
Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 6: 57. 1820 (1820)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000712238

Common Names

  • Lactiferum Gymnema
  • Gymnema lactiferum
  • Lactiferum

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Synonyms

  • Gymnema lactiferum thwaitesii Hook.f. [unknown]
  • Gymnema lactiferum khasianum Hook.f. [unknown]
  • Gymnema lactiferum nitens (Blume) Hook.f. [unknown]
  • Gymnema lactiferum walkeri Hook.f. [unknown]

Description

Gymnema lactiferum (also called Milk-bearing Gymnema, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asclepiadaceae. It is a woody climber with small, white flowers. It is native to tropical Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. It is found in tropical and subtropical forests, thickets, and disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Gymnema lactiferum is used as a traditional medicine to treat diabetes, as well as to reduce appetite and cravings for sweets. It is also used to treat asthma, fever, and digestive issues. Additionally, it is used to improve memory and cognitive function.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Gymnema lactiferum has small, yellow flowers that are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Gymnema lactiferum is a fast-growing, semi-succulent, perennial climber that can be propagated by cuttings. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C). The stems can be cut back in late winter to encourage new growth.

Where to Find Gymnema lactiferum

Gymnema lactiferum can be found in the tropical forests of India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.

Gymnema lactiferum FAQ

What is the common name of Gymnema lactiferum?

Milk-bearing Gymnema

What is the native range of Gymnema lactiferum?

India

What are the uses of Gymnema lactiferum?

It is used in traditional medicine for diabetes, cancer, and other conditions

Species in the Apocynaceae family

Acokanthera laevigata, Acokanthera oblongifolia, Acokanthera oppositifolia, Acokanthera rotundata, Acokanthera schimperi, Adenium boehmianum, Adenium multiflorum, Adenium obesum, Adenium oleifolium, Adenium swazicum, Adenium dhofarense, Aganosma breviloba, Aganosma cymosa, Aganosma gracilis, Aganosma lacei, Aganosma petelotii, Aganosma schlechteriana, Aganosma siamensis, Aganosma wallichii, Aganosma heynei, Alafia alba, Alafia barteri, Alafia benthamii, Alafia berrieri, Alafia calophylla, Alafia caudata, Alafia erythrophthalma, Alafia falcata, Alafia fuscata, Alafia insularis, Alafia intermedia, Alafia landolphioides, Alafia lucida, Alafia microstylis, Alafia multiflora, Alafia nigrescens, Alafia orientalis, Alafia parciflora, Alafia pauciflora, Alafia perrieri, Alafia schumannii, Alafia thouarsii, Alafia vallium, Alafia verschuereni, Alafia whytei, Alafia zambesiaca, Allamanda calcicola, Allamanda angustifolia, Allamanda blanchetii, Allamanda cathartica,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2835409: Based on the initial data import
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Josef August Schultes (1773-1831): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Schult.' in the authors string.
Robert Brown (1773-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.Br.' in the authors string.