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Telosma procumbens

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Telosma procumbens
Kapas-kapas flowers
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Telosma
Species:
T. procumbens
Binomial name
Telosma procumbens
Synonyms[1]
  • Cynanchum hirtum Blanco
  • Pergularia filipes Schltr.
  • Pergularia glabra Blanco
  • Pergularia glandulosa Blanco
  • Pergularia procumbens Blanco
  • Telosma cathayensis Merr.
  • Telosma filipes (Schltr.) M.A. Rahman & Wilcock

Telosma procumbens, also known as latok, kapas-kapas, dukep, or sabidukong, among many other names, is a species of flowering plant native to the islands of the Philippines and parts of southeastern China and Vietnam. It is a woody vine with elongated heart-shaped leaves. It bears clusters of yellowish green odorless flowers with five twisted-looking fleshy petals arranged in a star shape. These develop into spearhead-shaped fruits with four thin lengthwise ridges ("wings"). The fruit contains multiple seeds stacked in a column. Each seed has a long white feathery tail that allows it to be dispersed by the wind.[1]

The flowers and immature fruit rinds are eaten in Filipino cuisine, with a taste and texture similar to winged beans or string beans.[2][3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Plants of the World Online (POWO), retrieved 16 May 2021
  2. ^ Taculao, Patricia Blanca (24 February 2021). "Seven crops indigenous to the Philippines". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  3. ^ Maghirang, Rodel G. (14 January 2017). "Kapas-kapas: An Indigenous Vegetable". Agriculture Monthly. Retrieved 16 May 2021.