Botanical Name: Mikania micrantha
Family: Asteraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Genus: Mikania
Species: M. micrantha
Common Names: Bitter vine, Climbing hemp vine, or American rope. Mile-a-minute vine (a moniker also used for the unrelated Persicaria perfoliata). It is known as Japani lota in Assam.
Habitat: Mikania micrantha is native to the sub-tropical zones of North, Central, and South America.This species was intentionally introduced into the Asia-Pacific region and has since been reported in 20 countries and/or territories in the South Pacific and most countries in Southeast Asia. However, in some countries including Australia, China and India, its distribution within the country is limited, most probably by climate and altitude.It grows best in areas in high humidity, light and soil fertility, though it can adapt in less fertile soils. The featherlike seeds are dispersed by wind. A single stalk can produce between 20 and 40 thousand seeds a season.
Descriiption:
Mikania micrantha i s a perennial herbaceous vine, climbing, variable development, sparse pubescence nearly hairless. It can measure 3-6 m long. The stems are slender, hexagonal, often highly branched and intertwined, yellowish to brown. The leaves are simple, opposite, petiole long and hail, that have a heart-shaped base and a pointed apex. 4.5–6.0-millimetre (0.18–0.24 in) white flowers grow in clusters.
Cultivation:
Mikania plant Secrets of success Temperature: Average warmth – minimum 50° – 55°F in winter. Light: Bright light with some direct sunlight. You can safely put the plant in a sunny spot, where the colors will be at their best. Water: Keep compost moist at all times and reduce watering in winter.
Propagation:
Through stem cutting: You can safely put the plant in a sunny spot, where the colors will be at their best. Water: Keep compost moist at all times and reduce watering in winter. Air humidity: Mist Mikania with care – tepid water, very fine spray and keep misted plants away from sunshine. Propagation: Take stem cuttings in spring.
Edible Uses:
In Assam (NE India), Kabi tribes use the leaf juice of Mikania as an antidote for insect bite and scorpion sting. The leaves are also used for treating stomachache. Use of juice of Mikania as a curative agent for itches is reported from Malaysia.
Medicinal Uses:
The antibacterial effect of Mikania and its efficacy in wound healing has been reported. In Assam (NE India), Kabi tribes use the leaf juice of Mikania as an antidote for insect bite and scorpion sting. The leaves are also used for treating stomachache.
Allelopathy:
Extracts from M. micrantha slow the germination and growth of a variety of plant species. At least three sesquiterpenoids have been identified which produce this effect.
Diseases:
Mikania micrantha is affected by a virus called Mikania micrantha wilt virus (MMWV), which is a Fabavirus.
Local uses:
It is used to heal cuts and stop minor external bleeding in Fiji but its medicinal properties are still yet to be fully discovered. It is also a very popular local antiseptic medicine in Mizoram State of India, it is known locally as Japan Hlo. Its use has also been reported in the state of Arunachal Pradesh; fresh leaves are pounded and then applied over lacerations to stop bleeding and subsequent healing. In Bangladesh used to treat gastric ulcer and as a local antiseptic.
Other Uses:
In several places Mikania micrantha grown for garden beutification.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Rewsources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikania_micrantha
https://www.cabi.org/ISC/datasheet/34095