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Cebatha pendula (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Kuntze

فضحة / الغاشية

Syn. Cocculus pendulus (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Diels

Pendant Moonseed
Menispermaceae
  • Morphological Description
    • Description
      Slender perennial climber or trailing herb (synonym of Cocculus pendulus Diels, Menispermaceae). Stems long, flexible, twining. Leaves alternate, ovate to cordate, 5–10 cm, with entire to slightly lobed margins. Flowers small, greenish, in axillary clusters. Fruit a drupe, globose, black when ripe, containing a curved seed resembling a crescent (“moonseed”). Common in wadis and rocky slopes, often trailing over shrubs.
  • Habitat and Distribution
    • Geographical Distribution Range
      This Sudanian species is distributed across Sahara, Middle East and Indian subcontinent from Senegal to India. Within the Arabian Peninsula, it is native to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Gulf States, Oman, Yemen, and Socotra.
  • Ecology
    • Phenology
      Jan
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      Dec
      Flowering
      Fructification
    • IUCN Red List Category
      Not Evaluated IUCN Icon
      Not Evaluated
    • Remarks
      Generally climbs on trees, but can be creeping on the ground or cliffs
  • Uses and Values
    • Aromatic and Medicinal Use
      Medicinal use
    • Other Usages
      Palatable; Edible for birds
    • Description of Traditional Uses
      The plant has been used in various traditional systems for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Its fruits are known to be consumed by birds, and the plant is grazed by livestock.
Gallery
Whole plant climbing a sandtone canyon
Whole plant climbing a tree
Whole plant
Cebatha pendula leaves
Cebatha pendula in Mountains and associated plains
Cebatha pendula leaf
Cebatha pendula leaf and flower
Cebatha pendula flower
Cebatha pendula leaves