Stephania japonica, an
evergreen arboreous liana, grows in coastal mountains. The
phyllotaxis is alternate; blades measure 5-12cm long, 4-10cm wide,
in a triangular-like orbicular ovate shape, with entire margins,
upper and lower surfaces with no hairs, and the lower surfaces
tinging white. Petioles, 4-12cm long, support the blades in a
shield-like way. Dioecious: Inflorescences emerge from axils,
setting many small light green flowers in them. Drupes, about 6mm
long and spherical, mature in red. Bloom time: July-September. |