Telosma cordata is a species of flowering plant, native to China and Indo-China, in the family Apocynaceae. It is cultivated elsewhere and may occur wild as an introduced species. Common names include Chinese violet,sabidokung, cowslip creeper, Pakalana vine, Tonkin jasmine and Tonkinese creeper. The plant bears clusters of golden yellow blooms along the vining stems during summer months. Individual blooms emerge successively over a period of weeks emitting a rich, heavy fragrance during the day and night. In Tamil it goes by the name கொடிச்சம்பங்கி and in Vietnamese: thiên lý.
Characteristics
Telosma cordata is classified as a creeper that can climb as far as 2–5 meters. The vine is small, round and very tough; it is considered poisonous for pigs. As the tree is older, the vine will change from green to brown. The top is covered with dense white bush that can cover other trees completely. The plant can be reproduced by cutting or seeding and grows in airy soil in bright sunlight. It can be found in evergreen, mixed deciduous forests, grove woods and dry forests all over Indo-China.
Leaf
Telosma cordata has single heart-shaped leaves growing in pairs. The leaf is about 4-7.5 cm wide and about 6–11 cm long with smooth underside. Thickness of the leaf is very small, veins can be clearly seen. The stem is about 1.2–2 cm long.
Flower
The flowers blooms as a bouquet consisting of about 10-20 flowers. The greenish-yellow flower has a strong fragrance especially in the evening. It has a diameter of about 1.5 cm with 5 petals and 5 stamens which is connected to each other and to the pistils. The blooming season is usually March–May, although sometimes flowers can be found in July–October.
Fruit
The fruit is smooth, green and round with pointy ends. The inside contains large amount of flat seeds with white fluff attached to the end. The produce season is around June–August.
Uses
The top, fruit and flowers can all be consumed as vegetables, or cooked in dishes. The top is believed to be the most nutritious. The flower is used in desserts and for ornamental purposes in bouquets and wreaths. The plant's vines are tough and can be used as rope. The wood can be used for construction in some cases. The plant has also been used for traditional medicinal purposes, as an antipyretic, an antidote for poison, a tranquilizer, and for the relief of backbone pain.
