Status:
valid
Authors:
(Chakrav.) C.Jeffrey
Source:
tro
Year:
1982
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 36: 737 (1982)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001040264
Common Names
- Siraitia sikkimensis
- Sikkimensis Siraitia
- Sikkim Siraitia
Description
Siraitia sikkimensis (also called luo han guo, monk fruit, and magic fruit, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to southern China and northern Thailand. It grows in subtropical and tropical climates, in areas with high humidity and temperatures of 15–30 °C (59–86 °F).
Uses & Benefits
Siraitia sikkimensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat skin ailments, as an antiseptic, and as an anti-inflammatory.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Siraitia sikkimensis is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings are small, thin, and have a single stem with a few leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Siraitia sikkimensis is a small, evergreen shrub native to the Himalayas. It is best propagated from cuttings, which should be taken from the tips of stems in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be placed in a moist, well-drained potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger containers or planted in the garden.
Where to Find Siraitia sikkimensis
Siraitia sikkimensis can be found in the tropical regions of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Species in the Siraitia genus
Species in the Cucurbitaceae family
Abobra tenuifolia,
Acanthosicyos horridus,
Actinostemma lobatum,
Actinostemma parvifolium,
Actinostemma tenerum,
Alsomitra macrocarpa,
Ampelosicyos humblotii,
Ampelosicyos major,
Ampelosicyos meridionalis,
Ampelosicyos scandens,
Ampelosicyos bosseri,
Ampelosicyos leandrii,
Ampelosycios meridionalis,
Ampelosycios scandens,
Apodanthera anatuyana,
Apodanthera argentea,
Apodanthera aspera,
Apodanthera biflora,
Apodanthera bradei,
Apodanthera cinerea,
Apodanthera eriocalyx,
Apodanthera fasciculata,
Apodanthera ferreyrana,
Apodanthera glaziovii,
Apodanthera hindii,
Apodanthera hirtella,
Apodanthera laciniosa,
Apodanthera linearis,
Apodanthera mandonii,
Apodanthera mathewsii,
Apodanthera palmeri,
Apodanthera sagittifolia,
Apodanthera smilacifolia,
Apodanthera succulenta,
Apodanthera tumbeziana,
Apodanthera ulei,
Apodanthera undulata,
Apodanthera villosa,
Apodanthera weberbaueri,
Apodanthera longipedicellata,
Austrobryonia argillicola,
Austrobryonia centralis,
Austrobryonia micrantha,
Austrobryonia pilbarensis,
Baijiania borneensis,
Baijiania taiwaniana,
Baijiania decipiens,
Baijiania smitinandii,
Bambekea racemosa,
Bayabusua clarkei,