Ancistrocladus heyneanus

   Ancistrocladus is the only genus in this family. According to Cooke, of the two species found in India, only one of the 10 species from this genus has been reported to occur in main-land India while the other species, A. tectorius is endemic to the Andaman Islands. While he mentions it to be ‘pretty common in the Ghats’, it is endangered and endemic to the Western Ghats.
    Recent findings that the species A. korupensis has potential anti-AIDS activity had led to interest in this genus. Unfortunately, while this finding is a good news for humans, its a sad news for this genus as this will now probably be exploited.
Sadly was unable to take photos of the leaves as there were at a height and in a direction which didn’t allow proper photography. The leaves of this plant are very peculiar and it has a tendril with several hook-like structures for support.
Binomial name: Ancistrocladus heyneanus Wall. Cat.
Family: Ancistrocladaceae
Photographed at: Matheran
Photographed on: 16 February, 2011

– Is it same? Photographed at Phansad WLS Maharashtra in March 2007

– Yes according to me its same. Last year one of my friend had sent me the photograph of Ancistrocladus heyneanus from Phansad.

– i have seen this plant at Matheran too, but only with very long (10-20cm) shining & dark green lvs, and branches with hook.

– ……I have seen this plant in Matheran, Swantwadi and recently in Thathekad Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam dist of Kerala but had never seen the flowers. Attaching here a picture of the hook like structure of Ancistrocladus
heyneanus taken in Sawantwadi in September,2010.

– Annkistin=a hook, clados=branch Refers to branches which have hook-like modified branchlets. I thought this information will help to remember the name!

– sharing a pic of tendrils from my album… photographed at Phansad WLS in November 2009

Ancistrocladus hyneanus:
Ancistrocladus heyneanus ..climber found at Amboli last week

–  Interesting and attractive shape of the petals and also of the leaves. A member of little known family : Ancistrocladaceae.

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I think the ID (Ancistrocladus heyneanus) is correct.
You might have also observed the characteristic hooks of branches, I hope.

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Ancistrocladus heyneanus Wall. ex J.Graham

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420 ID wild climber: 21 high res. images.
Please ID wild climber,
Location: near Vannappuram, Thodupuzha, Idukki Dist., Kerala PIN:685607
Altitude: 1500fsl
Flower date: 11FEB2023, 02.45pm
Habitat: wild moisture sloppy rocky shady misty hill, wind
Plant habit: climbing, branches, hard woody cylindrical stem 09cm base diameter, rough black bark, long lasting
Supporting tree: Xanthophyllum flavescens
Height: 12 meters
Leaves: alternate, clustered, ovate, oblong, acute, simple smooth glossy, size upto:25×9cm
Flower: axillary panicle inflorescence, diameter:13mm, pink, non fragrant
Fruit:
Seed:
Camera: CANON EOS1500D +FL10x

Sharing more information: the plant having numerous hooked tendrils.

I think this is Ancistrocladus heyneanus:
https://efloraofindia.com/2011/02/05/ancistrocladus–heyneanus/

Yes, it is Ancistrocladus heyneanus, dear …, thank you very much for ID my plant

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Ancistrocladus heyneanus Wall. ex J.Graham :: Matheran :: Apr 1, 2023 · JUN23 DV249: 3 images.

Both Malayalam and English names are correct.

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