There are over 130 species in the genus Tetrastigma, mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. There are 20 species in China, primarily found in the southeastern to southwestern parts of the country. Some young parts of Tetrastigma species can be eaten raw and have a sour taste. They can also be used as vegetables. The fruit can be eaten raw and has a vermifuge effect, particularly effective against ascaris and tapeworms. The stems and branches can be used medicinally. Below, I will introduce the main varieties of the Tetrastigma genus.
1. Tetrastigma fruit
Tetrastigma fruit is a vine-like shrub. The roots are thick and curved, with a black surface. The stems are cylindrical and reddish-brown, with small circular pores. The leaves are single, alternate, papery, and are either ovate or narrowly elliptical, with a blunt or rounded tip and a wedge-shaped or rounded base. They have smooth surfaces. The inflorescences are axillary or lateral, with 3-8 pale yellow flowers. The fruits are spherical and turn red or purple-black when ripe, with a diameter of 5-6 mm. They are smooth or have longitudinal wrinkles and a few glandular dots. The flowering period is from December to March of the following year, and the fruiting period is from April to June.
Tetrastigma fruit is mainly distributed in provinces and regions south of the Yangtze River in China, as well as in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and other countries. It grows on slopes, roadsides, hills, or in areas with abundant sunlight.
Tetrastigma fruit is sweet and edible. The roots, leaves, and fruits have medicinal properties and can be used to treat diarrhea, promote wound healing, and relieve pain.
2. White-flowered Tetrastigma fruit
White-flowered Tetrastigma fruit is a climbing shrub or vine. The leaves are single, alternate, papery, and either ovate or elongated oval, with a gradually pointed tip and a rounded base. They are smooth and green on the underside. The flowers are small and bisexual, with white petals. The fruits are spherical or ovoid, and turn red to deep purple. The flowering period is from January to July, and the fruiting period is from May to December.
White-flowered Tetrastigma fruit is mainly distributed in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan, Guizhou, and other provinces and regions. It grows in hillside thickets.
The roots of white-flowered Tetrastigma fruit can be used medicinally to clear heat, remove dampness, stop bleeding, and reduce inflammation. The young leaves can be eaten raw.
3. Veined Tetrastigma
Veined Tetrastigma is an evergreen vine-like shrub. The leaves are alternate, papery, rarely leathery, and are either elliptical or oval. They have an acute or gradually pointed apex and a rounded or cordate base. The margins are serrated, with a few entire ones. They have numerous side veins that extend almost perpendicular to the main veins. The leaves have glandular dots. The inflorescences are axillary, and the flowers are small and either self-colored or pale greenish-white. The fruits are spherical and dark purple or reddish-brown, covered in glandular dots. The flowering period is from September to December, and the fruiting period is from May to July.
Veined Tetrastigma is distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Taiwan, Jiangxi, Hunan, and other provinces and regions. It grows in valley thickets or moist areas in forests.
The roots and stems of veined Tetrastigma have cooling and detoxifying properties and can nourish yin and tonify the kidneys. They can be used to treat irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and rheumatism. The entire plant contains volatile oil, which can be extracted as a fragrance ingredient.
4. Multiveined Tetrastigma
Multiveined Tetrastigma is a climbing shrub or vine. The leaves are single, alternate, and thick-papery to thin-leathery. They are elongated oval or lanceolate, with a tapering tip and a slightly heart-shaped base. The leaf margins are serrated, and the leaves are hairless and lack glandular dots. They have few petioles. The inflorescences are axillary, covered in rusty, soft hairs. The flower stalks are usually at right angles to the main axis. The fruits are spherical, red, and covered in glandular dots. The persistent calyx curls backward. The flowering period is from October to February of the following year, and the fruiting period is from November to March of the following year.
Multiveined Tetrastigma is distributed in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and other provinces and regions, as well as in Vietnam. It grows on slopes.
The fruit of multiveined Tetrastigma has the effects of expelling parasites, dispelling wind, and stopping diarrhea. It can be used to expel ascaris and tapeworms.
