Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo)
Siraitia grosvenorii
Siraitia grosvenorii, commonly known as monk fruit or luo han guo, is a perennial herbaceous …
Silomaradja siraitia (Siraitia silomaradjae)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Siraitia silomaradjae: Botanical Overview and Characteristics
Under the dense canopy of Sumatran rainforests, Siraitia silomaradjae grows as a climbing perennial vine. This rare botanical species is native to Indonesia and remains primarily confined to its original wild habitats. The plant was first collected and described in the early 20th century, adding to the known diversity of the region's flora.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ order Cucurbitales
- ∟ family Cucurbitaceae
- ∟ subfamily Cucurbitoideae
- ∟ genus Siraitia (Monk Fruit Vine)
- ∟ species Siraitia silomaradjae (Silomaradja siraitia)
Morphology
As a climbing herb, the species utilizes slender tendrils to ascend surrounding vegetation. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, featuring an ovate-cordate shape with finely dentate margins. The vine produces unisexual flowers, which are typical for its genus, followed by small pepo fruits.
Interesting facts
The species name silomaradjae refers to the Silo Maradja region in North Sumatra, where the type specimen was originally collected. It is closely related to the commercially cultivated monk fruit, yet it remains completely wild and uncultivated.
Geography of distribution
- Sumatra, Indonesia
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO): Siraitia silomaradjae (Merr.) C.Jeffrey
- World Flora Online (WFO): Siraitia silomaradjae
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Siraitia silomaradjae (Merr.) C.Jeffrey
See also
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