About Arthrostemma ciliatum Pav. ex D.Don
Arthrostemma ciliatum is a sprawling herb that reaches 1 to 4 metres (3.3 to 13.1 ft) in length. It has reddish stems and red buds that open into pink or purple flowers with prominent stamens. Its leaves range from ovate to lanceolate in shape, and are edged with tiny, bristly-hairy reddish teeth. Commonly called pinkfringe, this species is a perennial that grows aggressively along riverbanks, in humid forests, and in disturbed areas. It occurs at middle elevations from 500 to 1,000 metres (0.31 to 0.62 mi) across the Greater Antilles, Mexico, and Central and South America. Pinkfringe has also naturalized in Hawaii, where it is classified as a weed. Pinkfringe is a popular ornamental plant. Its tender stems are edible and can be used as food. Medicinally, it has been used to treat a range of conditions, from diabetes to urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.
