Condor Vine

There are about 100 species of tender, evergreen or deciduous woody climbers and shrubs in this genus, which occurs in tropical and warm parts of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas. All contain poisonous white latex, which in some species is processed as rubber. Research has been carried out on several marsdenias since the 1970's. They are reported to contain unusual glycosides that may have potential in cancer treatment. Marsdenia tinctoria (Java indigo), which is grown as a dye plant, also has anti-fertility properties. Several species are known to be extremely toxic, with strychnine-like effects, and have been used to poison wild dogs.

Twining, evergreen, aromatic climber with oblong to rounded, pointed leaves. Waxy, off-white bell- to funnel-shaped flowers are produced in summer, followed by fleshy fruits containing seeds that each have a a tuft of hairs.

Common Name:	Condor Vine
Other Names:	Condurango, Eagle Vine
Botanical Name:	Marsdenia cundurango syn. M. reichenbachii
Genus:	Marsdenia
Family:	Asclepiadaceae
Native Location:	Columbia, Ecuador, Peru
Cultivation:	Sandy, rich soil in partial shade. Cut back leading shoots after flowering to restrict growth and encourage production of laterals.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe at 13-18°C (55-64°F); by semi-ripe cutting with a heel in summer; by layering during the growing season.
Harvest:	Bark is beaten from the stems after drying and stored as liquid extracts, powders, or quills.
Height:	9m (30ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 15-18°C (60-65°F)
Parts Used:	Bark
Properties:	A bitter, slightly aromatic, acrid herb that improves appetite and digestion. It is regarded as an alterative and gastric sedative.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for anorexia, nervous dyspepsia, liver disorders, cancers of stomach and bowl. Combined with Acorus calamus (See, Sweet Flag), Chamaemelum nobile (See, Roman Chamomile), Chelone glabra (See, Turtlehead), Gentiana lutea (See, Gentian), and Humulus lupulus (See, Hops) for anorexia. Externally for warts.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 272