Tinospora glabra

Tinospora glabra is an uncultivated woody and large climber. Its common name Amarvel (अमरवेल) is due to its tenacious habit of surviving even in worst conditions. Its other common names are Amrita, Amritvel, Giloyi, Gudachi and Gulvel . Quite often it becomes invasive and climbs on large trees. On a tree it can grow to such an extent that it can smother the tree.  If someone cuts stem of this climber near the ground, the climber sends down wiry aerial roots, which penetrate the ground to get water and nutrients from soil. Thus it becomes very difficult to control it. Birds love the fruits of the climber and through their droppings the seeds are dispersed far and wide.  

Tinospora glabra leaf

Tinospora glabra climber

Tinospora glabra flowers

Tinospora glabra fruit

In spite of it being an invasive, it has many medicinal uses. Its scientific name is Tinospora glabra, Syn: Tinospora cordifolia. Cordifolia means heart-shaped leaves. Cross section of mature stem of this climber reveals cart-wheel like pattern. Tinospora glabra and Tinospora malabarica are two species of this climber. Tinospora glabra has smooth leaves while leaves of Tinospora malabarica are hairy. Besides, T. malabarica is much more invasive than T. glabra. It is reported that T. glabra has better medicinal properties compared to T. malabarica. So if one wants to buy this plant from a nursery, see that the leaves are not hairy. Both these species are drought resistant and are native to India. They belong to Menispermaceae family.

Tinospora malabarica with hairy leaves

Cart-wheel pattern of the cross section of the stem