Stauntonia haxaphylla, an
evergreen liana with mottled dark green and gray-white bark,
inhabits evergreen forests or edges on the coast. Leaves are
alternate, of a palmately compound leaf, with 5-7 leaflets; the
leaflets measure 5-10cm long, 2-4cm wide, oblong-shaped, leathery,
and glossy surfaces with tips pointing short, bases somewhat round,
and margins entire. Axils emerge as short racemes and set 3-7 light
yellow flowers. Flowers bloom facing downward, with light red-purple
stripes inside. The flowers lack petals, and petaloid sepals arrange
themselves in two rows. Sap fruit, 5-8cm long, ovoid-shaped, mature
purple in October-November. Bloom time: April-May. |