Soldier Vine

Title

Soldier Vine

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Tournefortia volubilis L.

Description

Common Names

Soldier Vine

Boraginaceae

Tournefortia volubilis grows as a climbing/trailing vine to 8 meters in length. The stems are covered with tomentose pubescence. The leaves are arranged alternately, are ovate to lanceolate, to 10 cm in length with an acute leaf apex and an undulating entire margin. The leaves are thickly tomentose on the lower surfaces causing the leaves to have a grayish appearance.

The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in terminal helicoid cymes. The calyx has 5 unfused greenish sepals. The corolla has 5 yellowish fused petals that form a tube with 5 terminal lobes. There are 5 stamens fused to the throat of the corolla tube. The ovary is superior with 4 locules. The fruit is a drupe at maturity.

Tournefortia volubilis occurs along the edges and interiors of Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation –Woodland/Shrublands (Scrublands).

Tournefortia volubilis occurs on all island groupings in the Bahamian Archipelago, the Caribbean region, the southern United States, and Central and South America.

Tournefortia volubilis is used in the Bahamas to treat dermatological problems as well as in strengthening (aphrodisiac) teas.