Lauraceae
Cassytha filiformis
Love Vine · sulunwahi
P
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Cassytha filiformis is a much-branched, perennial, twining, parasitic vine with wiry, yellow, orange, or pale green stems, typically growing 3-8 metres long. It lacks true leaves, which are reduced to tiny scales. This plant attaches to host vegetation using specialized root-like structures called haustoria, through which it absorbs water and nutrients. Its minute greenish-white flowers are borne in spikes, leading to small, round, green or whitish drupes (berries) that are dispersed by birds.
Where it works in Kilifi
As a highly aggressive, obligate parasitic vine, Cassytha filiformis is generally not suitable for typical garden or landscape use in Kilifi, as it can overwhelm and cause physical damage to host plants, including trees and shrubs. It is found in coastal forests and various environments across tropical Africa, including Kenya, and is best suited for ecological restoration projects or natural areas where its parasitic nature is understood and managed.
Growing notes
This parasitic plant requires a healthy host plant for survival, deriving all its water and nutrients from the host. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight and warm, tropical conditions with moderate to high humidity. It prefers sandy soils with excellent drainage, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Regular monitoring of the host plant's health is crucial, as the vine can be quite aggressive and may need trimming to manage its growth.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, theferns.info, levypreserve.org, nparks.gov.sg, rwandaflora.com, earthone.io. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.