Description

Orange Climber  is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the citrus family containing the single species 'Toddalia asiatica'. It is native to many countries in Africa and Asia.Examples include South Africa where in Afrikaans it is called ranklemoentjie, and in Venda, gwambadzi.It is very popular among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya, where it is known as mururue, Mauritius, where it is known as patte poule. It grows in forested riprain habitat with high rainfall.

Characteristics:

Orange Climber is a liana with woody, corky, thorny stems that climb on trees, reaching up to 10 m in length. It has shiny green lemon-scented leaves, creamish white flowers. Sepals are 0.3-0.5 mm. Petals ovate to elliptic, 1-3.5 mm. Stamens in male flowers are 3-4 mm, whereas in female flowers they are ligulate and only 0.2-0.8 mm. Disk is 0.2-0.5 mm. Gynoecium in female flowers ovoid to ellipsoid and 1.5-2.5 mm, in male flowers subcylindric and 1-2 mm. Fruits are orange about half a cm wide that taste like orange peel. The seeds are dispersed by birds and monkeys that eat the fruits. In particular, the Scaly-breasted Munia prefers to nest in these trees.

Medicinal Uses:

The plant is used medicinally by many African peoples, including the Maasai, who use it for malaria, cough, and influenza. The roots contain coumarins that have antiplasmodial activity. Extracts of the plant have demonstrated antiviral activity against H1N1 influenza in the laboratory. The fruit is used as a cough remedy. The roots are used in the treatment of indigestion and influenza. The root and its bark have been used as a remedy for fever, malaria, cholera, diarrhoea and rheumatism. The leaves are used in the treatment of lung diseases and rheumatism. An infusion is used as a treatment for asthma.