Sandpaper Vine

Description:

Found growing on uncultivated land, the plant winds itself around other plants for support

Habitat:

This is a small shrub of up to 2 m tall or a liane growing to 5 m long. Leaves are simple, 6-10 x 3-5 cm, elliptical to oblong or obovate. Flowers are 2.5-3 cm wide with reddish white petals and stamens red above and white below.

Notes:

The roots and leaves are used to treat itch; finely crushed young shoots are made into a poultice to treat snake bites; and fruits are taken for common cold. The plant is used as a fish poison in India. The rough leaves are used as sandpaper and the stem serves as rough cordage.