Fibraurea tinctoria is a remarkable climbing plant that grows wild in the hot and wet tropical areas of Southern Asia. This plant has several unique features, from its bright yellow wood to its small yellow drupe fruits.
But the most astonishing thing about this tropical liana was discovered by both humans and the great apes separately: its medicinal value. Continue reading to learn more about Fibraurea tinctoria and see how one orangutan discovered its potent healing properties!
What Is Fibraurea tinctoria (Yellow Root, Akar Kuning, Akar Palo)?
Fibraurea tinctoria is a woody,18 vining plant in the Menispermaceae family,19 a group of around 440 species of primarily tropical flowering plants. F. tinctoria grows flexible stems up to 40 meters (130 feet) in length to reach the treetops where sunlight is more accessible.
Akar Palo, Akar Kuning, Yellow Root
(Fibraurea tinctoria)
- Characteristics: A tropical climbing liana, native to South Asia, growing up to 40 meters in length with large, oval leaves, drupe fruits, and panicles of small, white flowers.
- Family: Menispermaceae
- Genus: Fibraurea
- Type: Perennial climbing vine
- Leaf: Simple, smooth, elliptic leaves up to 8 inches in length and 5 inches in width. Rounded at base and pointed at tip with margins entire. Arranged spirally on long petioles along stems.
- Seed: Seeds are contained in drupe fruit. Yellow-orange in color, often present in groups of up to 3.
- Blossoms: Small, abundant flowers in drooping panicles. Petals absent, but 6 sepals up to 4 mm are yellowish white in color. Male flowers have a sweet scent.
- Height: Stems up to 40 meters in length.
- Canopy: The vine does not form its own canopy but can spread along the canopies of other trees becoming quite expansive.
- Native Habitat: Tropical rainforests of South Asia
Image by: Samuel Lee22
It is a plant native to South Asia, prominent in wet, tropical areas of countries such as Borneo, India, Malaya, the Philippines, and many more.7
The following are some Fibraurea tinctoria facts that may be of interest to readers:2, 5, 8, 11
- F. tinctoria is sometimes known as Fibraurea chloroleuca.
- F. tinctoria is commonly known as “yellow root,” “Akar Kuning,” “Akar Palo” and by many other regional names.
- It is the most widespread species (currently known) in the Fibraurea genus.20
- The plant is known to have several medicinal benefits, from antibacterial to antimalarial and more.
- F. tinctoria was used in traditional medicine in various countries, including China, Vietnam, Borneo, Malaysia, Java, and Indonesia.
- Before the invention of chemical dyes, the bright yellow wood was used to prepare a yellow dye.
Who Is Rakus, the Orangutan, and How Did He Use F. tinctoria?
Fibraurea tinctoria received media attention recently due to the actions of a single orangutan, Rakus, residing in Indonesia. Rakus, who had sustained a deep wound below his right eye, was observed chewing the leaves of Fibraurea tinctoria for several minutes to obtain its analgesic effect, also rubbing plant juice on his wound, before using the leaves to create a poultice to cover the open wound.
With the orangutan’s careful administrations, the wound had closed within five days and was entirely healed within one month, leaving a relatively small scar in its place. F. tinctoria, also known as Akar Kuning locally, does not usually comprise part of the orangutan diet, so it seems likely that Rakus sought out the plant deliberately for its wound-healing benefits.3
Is Fibraurea tinctoria a Medicinal Plant?
Fibraurea tinctoria is a medicinal plant and has long been used in traditional medicine in its native area. Although it is not prevalent in mainstream medicine, research in recent years is bringing its many medicinal applications into the light.
F. tinctoria has demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anticarcinogenic properties from the furanoditerpenoids in its chemical makeup.11,14
It also contains protoberberine alkaloids which add the additional benefits of analgesic, antiamnesic, anticonvulsant, antiarrhythmic, hypotensive, antihemorrhagic, antitumoral, antidiuretic, antiulcer and muscle relaxant properties. Additional chemical compounds give it antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, antiviral, antimalarial, immunostimulant, and antidiabetic properties!2,11
Is Fibraurea tinctoria a Liana Plant?
Fibraurea tinctoria is a liana plant, or in other words, an opportunistic climbing plant which clings to and scales to the top of tall trees in search of sunlight. While all lianas are vines, not all vines are lianas.9
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History describes lianas as “woody climbers” with long, pliable stems that are rooted firmly in the ground.13
They can be differentiated from herbaceous vine plants which retain their green, fleshy stems and typically die back during the cold months. They should also be differentiated from epiphytic vines which commonly grow among the canopies of trees but are not rooted in the ground.4
F. tinctoria is similar to other local rainforest vines which use surrounding trees for structural support. While lianas are not parasitic and do not leech any nutrients from the supporting tree or trees, they can become problematic as they compete for valuable resources such as water and sunlight and seem to smother out the trees supporting them.
Older specimens can become quite astonishing in proportions with excess growth noted in hanging vines from upper tree branches.1
How To Identify Fibraurea tinctoria
Fibraurea tinctoria is an interesting plant, and there are many features that make it recognizable. At a distance and to the untrained eye, F. tinctoria may appear to be a large tree with cascading white flowers, potentially complicating white flowering trees identification.
Upon close inspection, however, it becomes apparent that it is a climbing vine with twining stems. Its bright yellow wood is quite distinct.
Explore the following sections to learn more about how to identify Fibraurea tinctoria.
Identifying Fibraurea tinctoria Flowers
Fibraurea tinctoria flowers are small, white blossoms borne on long, cascading panicles. The plants are dioecious, meaning that each plant bears only male or female flowers.
The types of white flowers on male plants have a sweet aroma. Though the individual flowers are very small, with 6 inner sepals, smaller outer sepals, and no petals, the panicle inflorescence often grows to 15 inches in length.16,18
Identifying Fibraurea tinctoria Leaves
Fibraurea tinctoria leaves are glabrous (smooth), evergreen, and leathery in texture. They are borne on long petioles which are arranged spirally along the flexible stems.
The individual leaves are egg-shaped, rounded or tapering to a point at the end. The leaves are simple, with entire margins, and can grow to over 10 inches in length.18
Identifying Fibraurea tinctoria Seeds
Fibraurea tinctoria seeds are contained within a grape-shaped, drupe fruit. The fruit, which is yellow-orange in color, is less than 1 inch in diameter.
It is fleshy and contains a single elliptical seed.16,18
Best Growing Conditions for Fibraurea tinctoria
The best growing conditions for Fibraurea tinctoria are in semi-wet to wet, tropical, forested areas. Because F. tinctoria relies upon proximal trees for support to obtain its nutrients, it will require some tall support structure in the absence of other trees.
F. tinctoria likes full shade to part sun conditions and moist soil.18
Fibraurea tinctoria Growing Zone
The ideal Fibraurea tinctoria growing zone is found in the hottest climates of the southern hemisphere. In its native range of South Asia, it grows primarily in countries where the minimal temperatures never fall below freezing levels.
Thus, the most suitable growing zones for Fibraurea tinctoria (where to grow) will correspond to USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 13.10 See USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to see which areas of the U.S. are comparable.15
Growing a Fibraurea tinctoria From a Seed, Cutting, or Seedling
Many people may be curious about growing a Fibraurea tinctoria from a seed, cutting or seedling, when to plant Fibraurea tinctoria for the best yield, how far apart to plant Fibraurea tinctoria, and even planting tips for Fibraurea tinctoria, but the fact of the matter is that F. tinctoria is not a likely plant for cultivation and is found almost exclusively in the wild.
Propagating from seed is likely the best way to begin cultivating. Provide ample structural support and water as the plant grows.
Companion Plants For Growing Fibraurea tinctoria
There is not much information available about companion plants for growing Fibraurea tinctoria. Only be aware that this opportunistic vine will use any tall plants around it to gain height.
There is ample evidence demonstrating that liana growth encumbers its tree host, restricting its growth and hampering its survival.12
How To Stop Fibraurea tinctoria Disease
Currently, there is no available information on how to stop Fibraurea tinctoria disease or even which diseases are likely to impact this tropical plant. Yet, as with most plants, keeping it healthy is the best means of Fibraurea tinctorial disease prevention.
There are not many common pests of the Fibraurea tinctoria, but Bactrocera dorsalis,17 the oriental fruit fly, is one known pest.6 Natural pest control for Fibraurea tinctoria is probably unnecessary, as its fruit is not edible for humans and the fruit fly is unlikely to cause lasting harm to the plant.
An orangutan in Indonesia was witnessed chewing the leaves of Fibraurea tinctoria and creating a poultice from its leaves to treat a deep, open wound on his face. Since that time, the tropical South Asian vine has been receiving increased attention for its extensive medicinal properties.
Though F. tinctoria is not well-known in Western cultures, it has been vastly important for traditional medicine in its native region, and recent research is illuminating the many potential applications of Fibraurea tinctoria in contemporary medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fibraurea tinctoria
How Much Sunlight Does Fibraurea tinctoria Need Each Day?
Readers may be curious to know “How much sunlight does Fibraurea tinctoria need each day?” As a tropical plant, F. tinctoria thrives in full sun or part shade conditions, requiring at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily and often climbing to the tops of trees and structures to reach sufficient light.18
What Is Fibraurea tinctoria Growth Rate?
F. tinctoria could be an interesting landscaping choice in subtropical to tropical climates, but gardeners will likely want to know how long it takes to grow Fibraurea tinctoria. The Fibraurea tinctoria growth rate is moderate to fast, and like other lianas, it can be expected to adapt its growth to suit its environment.18
What Are the Watering Needs for Fibraurea tinctoria Plants?
The watering needs of Fibraurea tinctoria largely depend on the local climate. In their native tropical habitat, natural humidity and soil moisture suffice, but in drier areas, they will need additional watering.18
References
1Butler, R. A. (2012, July 30). Vines and Lianas. World Rainforests. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://worldrainforests.com/0406.htm>
2Chabib, L., Muhtadi, W. K., Riski, M. I., Rahman, R. A., Suhendri, M. R., & Hidayat, A. (2018, February 28). Potential medicinal plants for improve the immune system from Borneo Island and the prospect to be developed as nanomedicine. MATEC Web of Conferences, 154. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201815404006>
3Chappell, B. (2024, May 3). A wounded orangutan used plants to heal his own injury. NPR. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://www.npr.org/2024/05/03/1248879197/orangutan-wound-medicinal-plant-treatment>
4U.S. National Science Foundation. (2023, November 30). Epiphytes, plants such as moss and bromeliads found in trees, face growing threats. National Science Foundation. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://new.nsf.gov/news/epiphytes-plants-such-moss-bromeliads-found-trees>
5Stuart Jr., Godofredo U. (2022, December). Fibraurea, Fibraurea tinctoria, YELLOW ROOT / Alternative Medicine. StuartXchange. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <http://www.stuartxchange.org/Fibraurea>
6EPPO. (2024). Fibraurea tinctoria. EPPO Global Database. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/FIBTI/pests>
7International Plant Names Index and World Checklist of Vascular Plants. (2024). Fibraurea tinctoria Lour. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:580826-1>
8Forest of ‘Ilm. (2022, July 19). Fibraurea tinctoria Lour. – 52. Forest of ‘Ilm. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://forest-ilm.iium.edu.my/52-fibraurea-tinctoria/>
9Gilmer, M. (2018, February 11). Knowing the difference between vines and lianas in the Southwest desert. The Desert Sun. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/home-garden/maureen-gilmer/2018/02/11/vines-and-lianas-southwest-desert/311236002/>
10Wikipedia. (2024, June 9). Hardiness zone. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardiness_zone>
11Laumer, I. B., Rahman, A., Rahmaeti, T., Azhari, U., Hermansyah, Atmoko, S. S. U., & Schuppli, C. (2024, May 2). Active self-treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutan. Scientific Reports. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58988-7>
12Wikipedia. (2024, April 22). Liana. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liana>
13Smithsonian. (2024). Lianas – Introduction | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research/botany/research/lianas-and-climbing-plants-neotropics/lianas-introduction>
14Marpaung, M. P., Handayani, D. W. (2018, December). The effect of solvent concentration on antioxidant activity of akar kuning (Fibraurea chloroleuca Miers) extract. NASA/ADS. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2018AIPC.2049c0003M/abstract>
15U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/>
16Singh, B. (2024). Fibraurea tinctoria Lour. | Species. India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/268035>
17Weems, H.V., & Heppner, J.B. (2019, September). common name: oriental fruit fly. Featured Creatures. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/fruit/tropical/oriental_fruit_fly.htm>
18Flora Fauna Web. (2023). Fibraurea tinctoria Lour. – Singapore. National Parks Board (NParks). Retrieved May 14, 2024, from <https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/1/4/1401>
19Wikipedia. (2024, May 2). Menispermaceae. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menispermaceae>
20Wikipedia. (2024, May 4). Fibraurea. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibraurea>
21Photo 186873020 Photo by Samuel Lee. (2022, April 8) / CC BY 4.0 DEED | Attribution 4.0 International. Cropped and added text, shape, and background elements. iNaturalist. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/186873020>
22Species Information Image: Photo 287456175 Photo by Samuel Lee. (2023, January) / CC BY 4.0 DEED | Attribution 4.0 International. Cropped and added text, shape, and background elements. iNaturalist. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/287456175>
23Leaves: Photo 183701719 Photo by plantboyofsingapore. (2022, March 6) / CC BY 4.0 DEED | Attribution 4.0 International. Cropped and Resized. iNaturalist. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/183701719>
24Photo 256590045 Photo by plantboyofsingapore. (2023, February 16) / CC BY 4.0 DEED | Attribution 4.0 International. Cropped and Resized. iNaturalist. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/256590045>
25Bornean Orangutan Orangutan Ape Photo by ambquinn. (2023, October 24) / Pixabay Content License. Resized and Changed Format. Pixabay. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/bornean-orangutan-orangutan-ape-8334177/>