Genus: 25 species.
Region: east Asia, southern China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines.
Habitat: wastelands and thickets in valleys; elevations of 100 to 500 metres in southern China; open country and borders of woods and thickets; full sun, with some shade; well-drained soil.
Use: essential oil, fibre; fruits as a pepper-like condiment; leaves for brewing liquor; medicinal uses; ornamental, with fragrant blooms; perfume.
BotanyClimbing shrub; up to 4 metres to 24 metres long.