Tinospora crispa aka Makabuhai

Tinospora crispa belongs to the Menispermaceae family. It is a climbing shrub that sheds its leaves. It also grows as a woody vine, or liana. Its native range starts in central Nepal. It reaches southern Yunnan, China, and western and central Malesia. Its common names include patawali and akar patawali. The plant grows in wet tropical climates. People gather wild plants for use in medicine. They also grow it in Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka.

Garden sources give a height of about 33 feet [10 metres]. Longer stems can reach about 49 feet [15 metres]. PFAF gives a spread of about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Stems grow about 0.4 inches [1 centimetre] thick. They form aerial roots, which hang toward the ground. These roots can grow 33 feet [10 metres] or more. They can take root once they reach the soil. The plant sheds its leaves instead of keeping them year-round. Long stems and hanging roots give it its climbing form.

Wild plants grow at forest edges and on disturbed ground. They also grow in rainforest and mixed deciduous forest. Such mixed forests have trees that shed their leaves. Other sites include hedges and forest regrowth after logging. Records reach about 3,280 feet [1,000 metres] above sea level. PFAF says it grows fast and needs sun in gardens. It grows in sandy, loamy, and clay soils that drain well. The soil can range from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. It may be dry or moist. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Both male and female plants must grow to yield seed. The sources report fewer female plants than male plants. They suggest growers have spread male plants without using seed. Stem cuttings root with ease, helped by their aerial roots. Growers can also raise new plants from seed. These traits help explain why people grow this medicinal climber.

The main reported use is in traditional medicine. Sources list uses for fever and problems with digestion. They also list uses for skin problems and wounds. These records show how people have used the plant. They do not prove that treatment works or is safe. Neither source names any plant part as safe to eat. Both report no known hazards, but that does not prove safety. The supplied species accounts name no specific pests or diseases. PFAF does not flag the plant as a weed.