Ripogonum

Rhipogonum

Rhipogonum is the only plant genus of the family Rhipogonaceae in the order of the lily -like ( Liliales ). Another notation used is Ripogonaceae and Ripogonum JRForst. & G.Forst .. There are six Rhipogonum species.

Description

Rhipogonum species are woody plants: climbing shrubs or lianas. They often form short woody rhizomes. The Stems are often spined, but there are no vines yet. The mostly opposite, rarely alternate or arranged in whorls leaves are simple. Petioles are present or absent. The leathery leaf blade is annoying network with three strong main nerves.

The flowers are usually together in axillary racemose or aged men, rarely paniculate in terminal inflorescences. The relatively small, hermaphroditic flowers with radial symmetry are triple. The six very small, free bracts are alike ( perianth ). There are two circles, each with three free, fertile stamens present. Three carpels are a superior ovaries fused with two ovules per ovary chamber. The only short style ends in a barely recognizable three-lobed stigma. The seeds are almost round, very little edgy.

Are formed berries. They contain one or a few seeds.

Systematics and distribution

The area of the species ranges from New Zealand across eastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria) to New Guinea.

The genus Rhipogonum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. was formerly in the family of Smilacaceae Vent. classified. The Rhipogonaceae family was erected in 1985 by John Godfrey Conran & Harold Trevor Clifford. The Rhipogonaceae are closest to the Philesiaceae Dum. related with which they have the Netted sheets together.

In the family Rhipogonaceae there is only one kind, Rhipogonum about six types:

• Rhipogonum album R.Br.: Australia and New Guinea.
• Rhipogonum brevifolium Conran & Cliff:. Australia.
• Rhipogonum Dicolor F.Muell. Australia.
• Rhipogonum elseyanum F.Muell. Australia.
• Rhipogonum fawcettianum F.Muell. ex Benth. Australia.
• Rhipogonum scandens J. R. & G.Forst. Zealand.

Use by animals and humans

It is known that in Australia and New Zealand, the berries are eaten by some mammal and bird species.

Plant parts Rhipogonum some species are used by indigenous people to make baskets, ropes and fish traps.

The " stumps " of Rhipogonum scandens are rich in starch and are used to flavor beer. Although the small berries are dry and taste bland they are eaten. The cooked young shoots taste like green beans. The sap from the stem is also edible.

Rhipogonum scandens is used medicinally.