Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Genus:
Species:
sylvestre
ID:
712956

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1811

Citation Micro:
Cycl. 17: n.º 4 (1811)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000712289

Common Names

  • Gymnema Sylvestre
  • Wild Gymnema
  • Wild Cowplant

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Synonyms

  • Apocynum alterniflorum Lour. [unknown]
  • Strophanthus alterniflorus Spreng. [unknown]
  • Marsdenia sylvestris (Retz.) P.I.Forst. [unknown]
  • Periploca sylvestris Retz. [unknown]
  • Periploca tenuifolia Humb. & Bonpl. ex Schult. [illegitimate]
  • Asclepias geminata Roxb. [unknown]
  • Conocalpis umbellata Bojer ex Decne. [unknown]
  • Cynanchum senegalense Sieber ex Decne. [unknown]
  • Cynanchum subvolubile Schumach. & Thonn. [unknown]
  • Gymnema affine Decne. [unknown]
  • Gymnema alterniflorum (Lour.) Merr. [unknown]
  • Gymnema formosanum Schltr. [unknown]
  • Gymnema humile Decne. [unknown]
  • Gymnema melicida Edgew. [unknown]
  • Gymnema mkenii Harv. [unknown]
  • Gymnema parvifolium Wall. [unknown]
  • Gymnema rufescens Decne. [unknown]
  • Gymnema subvolubile (Schumach. & Thonn.) Decne. [unknown]
  • Gymnema sylvestre affine (Decne.) Tsiang [unknown]
  • Gymnema sylvestre ceylanicum Hook.f. [unknown]
  • Gymnema sylvestre chinense Benth. [unknown]
  • Gymnema sylvestre ceylanica Hook.f. [unknown]

Description

Gymnema sylvestre (also called Gurmar, among many other common names) is a perennial, woody, climbing shrub native to India and Sri Lanka. It grows in tropical and subtropical forests and is often found in moist, shady areas. It has long, slender stems with oval-shaped leaves and small, yellowish-white flowers.

Uses & Benefits

Gymnema sylvestre 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 sylvestre 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 sylvestre can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist. For stem cuttings, take a cutting from the stem and place it in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, sunny location. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.

Where to Find Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre can be found in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Gymnema sylvestre FAQ

What is the scientific name of Gymnema sylvestre?

Gymnema sylvestre

What is the common name of Gymnema sylvestre?

Gymnema sylvestre

What is the family of Gymnema sylvestre?

Asclepiadaceae

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-2835456: Based on the initial data import
Anders Jahan Retzius (1742-1821): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Retz.' in the authors string.
Robert Brown (1773-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.Br.' in the authors string.
James Edward Smith (1759-1828): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Sm.' in the authors string.