Onontolota or Coral vine, Antigonon leptopus

Onontolota or Coral vine (Antigonon leptopus, family: Polygonaceae) is a tuberous rooted extensive perennial creeper with branches. Its original home is America (possibly Mexico & Guatemala). For its extra-ordinary pink flowers, it is planted in parks and gardens throughout the tropical areas of the world.

                                           Common names: Coral vine, Mexican creeper.

Leaves are pale green, alternate, cordate, 7-12 cm long, serrated, apex acute. 

Its propagation is caused by cutting or ground layering. The adorable creeper is planted in garden and on arches or pergolas in Bangladesh. 

Pink or white colored flowers rise from axillary raceme. Perianth segments 5, divided into two layers. The plant produces numerous flowers from April-November. The fruit is small, triangle-shaped, brown in color.

The plant has large rootstocks. For this reason the prolific seed producer is named 'Onontolota' in Bangla.'

Antigonon leptopus is usually used in the treatment of cough.