gynostemma

Gynostemma is a genus of perennial climbing vines in the cucumber, gourd, and melon family, comprising at least 19 species, all native to the tropical East or Far East, inclusive of the Himalayas: China (with 9 endemic); the islands of Japan; Malaysia; and New Guinea. The term Gynostemma is derived from Ancient Greek γυνή meaning 'woman' or 'female', and στέμμα meaning 'wreath' or 'garland'. In (post-)classical Latin the form stemma is attested as Greek loanword. In Ancient Greek and Latin, stemma ...