Common Hop
Humulus lupulus
Humulus lupulus, commonly known as the common hop, is a perennial climbing plant famous for …
Heart-leaved Hop (Humulus cordifolius)
Heartleaf hop
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
- ∟ core eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ order Rosales
- ∟ family Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
- ∟ genus Humulus (Hops)
- ∟ species Humulus cordifolius (Heart-leaved Hop)
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
Taxon Synonyms: Humulus lupulus var. cordifolius
See also
Asian Hop
Humulus scandens
A fast-growing annual climbing vine from East Asia in the Cannabaceae family, characterized by deeply …
Yunnan Hop
Humulus yunnanensis
Humulus yunnanensis is a remarkable wild hop vine endemic to the Yunnan province of China. …
New Mexico Hop
Humulus neomexicanus
A drought-tolerant wild hop native to the mountainous regions of western North America.