Telosma procumbens

Telosma procumbens, also known as latok, kapas-kapas, dukep, or sabidukong, among many other names, is a species of flowering plant native to the islands of the Philippines and parts of southeastern China and Vietnam. It is a woody vine with elongated heart-shaped leaves. It bears clusters of yellowish green odorless flowers with five twisted-looking fleshy petals arranged in a star shape. These develop into spearhead-shaped fruits with four thin lengthwise ridges ("wings"). The fruit contains multiple seeds stacked in a column. Each seed has a long white feathery tail that allows it to be dispersed by the wind.[1]

Telosma procumbens
Kapas-kapas flowers
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Telosma
Species:
T. procumbens
Binomial name
Telosma procumbens
Synonyms[1]
  • Cynanchum hirtum Blanco
  • Pergularia filipes Schltr.
  • Pergularia glabra Blanco
  • Pergularia glandulosa Blanco
  • Pergularia procumbens Blanco
  • Telosma cathayensis Merr.
  • Telosma filipes (Schltr.) M.A. Rahman & Wilcock

The flowers and immature fruit rinds are eaten in Filipino cuisine, with a taste and texture similar to winged beans or string beans.[2][3]

See also

References
  1. Plants of the World Online (POWO), retrieved 16 May 2021
  2. Taculao, Patricia Blanca (24 February 2021). "Seven crops indigenous to the Philippines". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  3. Maghirang, Rodel G. (14 January 2017). "Kapas-kapas: An Indigenous Vegetable". Agriculture Monthly. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
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