Periploca of the Woods is mainly distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. It is the fruit of the plant Periploca of the Woods. While Periploca reticulata is a species in the genus Periploca of the Woods in the family Apocynaceae. There are both similarities and differences between the two. Let's explore the connections and distinctions between them.
Comparisons of Morphological Characteristics
1. Periploca reticulata
Evergreen woody vine. Leaves are alternate, papery, rarely leathery. They are oblong-ovate or elliptic-ovate in shape. The apex is acute or gradually pointed, the base is rounded or cordate, and the margin is sparsely serrate, with a few entire margins. They have numerous lateral veins that are nearly perpendicular to the midrib. They also have glandular dots.
Inflorescences are axillary, with small flowers. The flowers are yellowish or pale greenish-white. The fruit is spherical, purplish-brown or bright red, covered in glandular dots. Flowering occurs from September to December, and fruiting occurs from May to July.
2. Periploca of the Woods
Periploca of the Woods is a woody vine. The roots are thick and curved, with a black surface. The stems are cylindrical and reddish-brown, with circular dot-like stomata. The leaves are simple, alternate, papery, and inverted ovate or narrow-ovate. The apex is obtuse or rounded, the base is cuneate, and the margins are entire. Both sides of the leaves are smooth.
Inflorescences are axillary or lateral, with 3-8 flowers. The flowers are pale yellow. The fruits are spherical, red or dark purple when ripe. They are 5-6 mm in diameter, smooth or slightly wrinkled longitudinally, with a few glandular dots. Flowering occurs from December to March of the following year, and fruiting occurs from April to June.
Comparisons of Habitat
1. Periploca reticulata
Habitat: It is distributed in provinces and regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Taiwan, Jiangxi, and Hunan. It grows in valley shrubs or moist areas in forests.
2. Periploca of the Woods
Periploca of the Woods is mainly distributed in provinces and regions south of the Yangtze River in China, as well as in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. It grows on slopes, roadsides, hills, or open areas with abundant sunlight.
Comparisons of Medicinal Effects
1. Periploca reticulata
Medicinal Effects: The roots and stems have cooling and detoxifying effects, and can nourish yin and tonify kidneys. They can treat irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and rheumatism. The whole plant contains volatile oil, which can be extracted as a fragrance raw material.
2. Periploca of the Woods
Fruit: The fruit has a sour and sweet taste and is rich in vitamin C. It can be eaten fresh or decocted separately. It can strengthen and nourish the blood. It can also treat gastric acid deficiency, gum bleeding, and loss of appetite.
Branches and leaves: The sour taste of the branches and leaves can quench thirst. The roots are used in medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, blood-activating, pain-relieving, heat-clearing, detoxifying, and astringent properties. They can treat throat pain, gum bleeding, spleen deficiency with leakage, bruises, and hemorrhoids.
