Flame of Irian

Overview

Flame of Irian is a species of flowering plant, originating from Papua, Sulawesi (Indonesia), Papua New Guinea, to Vanuatu.  This plant produces beautiful bunches of bright red-orange flowers, is suitable for pergolas and can climb large trees. Flame of Irian can be found in the Arfak Mountains nature reserve, Manokwari, West Papua Province. The variety of wild plant vegetation makes this area rich in medicinal plants that can be developed for medical purposes such as curing several diseases. The Arfak tribal community itself has knowledge of traditional medicine (ethno-medicine) in utilizing certain types of plants as healers of diseases or as ingredients in traditional rituals, one of which is the flame of irian plant. Another use, Mucuna bennettii stems are strung and arranged for use as ties and for the construction of traditional natural bridges due to the strength and size of the tendrils and vines.

Vernacular Names

No found data on this. Need further research.

Agroecology

Mucuna bennettii is a tropical plant and will also thrive in semi-tropical areas. This plant grows optimally in lowland forests with moist soil types and contains lots of humus. Prefers hot air with temperatures ranging from 30-35 °C. Can grow in direct sun or partial shade. This species is found in the wild in rocky clay, limestone, granite, volcanic and sedimentary soils.

Morphology

• Stems - brown with thick bark that is difficult to exfoliate, the older it gets, the thicker the skin becomes and resembles the bark of a woody tree. The size of the branches can reach 20 cm in the main stem and in secondary, tertiary branches and to the ends varies from small when just growing and spreads about 0.5 cm to 15 cm or more.
• Leaves - glossy, green, trifoliate, leaf blade ovate, leaves arranged alternately along the stem, bone pinnate.
• Flowers - cluster of bright red flowers tiered in a flower arrangement. The flower arrangement section consists of a flower arrangement shaped like a tiger's fingernail.
• Fruits - pods with hairy skin.
• Seeds - oval-shaped, dark brown when ripe.

Cultivation

Propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.

Chemical Constituents

No found data on this. Need further research.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• Treat shortness of breath.