Stephania is a genus of flowering plants in the Menispermaceae family, native to eastern and southern Asia, as well as Australasia. They are little known horticulturally. The species are herbaceous perennial vines with a large woody caudex. They grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. Leaves are shield-shaped, arranged spirally on the stem, and have the leaf petiole attached near the center of the leaf. Male flowers have 6 to 10 sepals, 3 to 5 fleshy petals, and 6 anthers. Female flowers have 3 to 5 petals, as in the male flowers, and a 3- to 6-parted style. The fruits are drupes.
The genus name is a cognate of the Greek "Stephana," which is a feminine form of "Stephanos," meaning "a crown," and refers to the anthers being arranged in a crown-like manner.
Stephania tetrandra is among the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine and is called Han Fang Ji.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Stephanias are native to Southeast Asia and the Australasia region, especially Indochinese countries. In their natural habitats, these caudex plants typically occur in seasonal deciduous forests on limestone mountains.
In warm, dry, frost-free climates, these plants are interesting vines for clothing screens, porches, fences, and other supports. They grow well in greenhouses under conditions that suit many cacti and succulents.
Stephanias thrive in sunny locations and grow well in greenhouses where the minimum winter night temperature is 50 to 60 °F (10 to 16 °C) and the day temperature is a few degrees higher. These plants need well-drained soil, full sun, and airy, not excessively humid conditions. From the time new growth begins in spring until the stems and foliage die down in fall, they require moderate watering, just enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. During their winter dormancy, water should be withheld entirely. Do not overwater, as the caudex will rot, and your plant will die.
Propagation
Stephanias can be propagated from seeds sown in porous soil at a temperature of about 60°F (16°C).
Links
- Back to genus Stephania
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus