Heart-leaved Hop (Humulus cordifolius)

Heartleaf hop
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Humulus cordifolius: The Heartleaf Hop

Blanketing the forest margins and hillsides of East Asia, an elegant climbing perennial creates lush, verdant draperies across the landscape. Humulus cordifolius stands out within the Cannabaceae family due to its distinctive foliage and robust growth patterns.

First documented in the 19th century, this species contributes significantly to local ecosystems by providing dense cover and forage for regional fauna. It remains a fascinating subject of study for plant taxonomists researching the evolutionary divergence of the hop genus.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ order Rosales
  • ∟ family Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
  • ∟ genus Humulus (Hops)
  • ∟ species Humulus cordifolius (Heart-leaved Hop)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

Unlike its deeply lobed relatives, the leaves of this species are predominantly cordate, or heart-shaped, with heavily serrated edges and a slightly coarse texture. The twining stems can reach impressive lengths, using stiff hairs to anchor themselves to nearby supports.

The plant is dioecious, with male flowers growing in loose panicles while the female flowers form characteristic cone-like structures. These strobiles are generally less resinous than those of commercial hop varieties.

Flowering season

Late Summer

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

In its native range, the vine has occasionally been utilized in traditional herbal practices and local crafts. It is also of interest to botanical gardens and researchers studying the genetic diversity of the genus.

Interesting facts

  • The specific epithet cordifolius translates directly to 'heart-leaved' in Latin, referencing its most identifiable morphological trait.
  • It is closely related to the common hop and is sometimes classified as a botanical variety of Humulus lupulus.

Geography of distribution

  • Japan
  • China

Sources

  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Смотрите также

Common Hop

Common Hop

Humulus lupulus

Humulus lupulus, commonly known as the common hop, is a perennial climbing plant famous for …

Read more →
Japanese Hop

Japanese Hop

Humulus japonicus

Humulus japonicus is an annual climbing vine native to East Asia. Known for its rapid …

Read more →
Yunnan Hop

Yunnan Hop

Humulus yunnanensis

Humulus yunnanensis is a remarkable wild hop vine endemic to the Yunnan province of China. …

Read more →