Vitaceae
Cyphostemma adenocaule
Mwengele
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
This herbaceous perennial liana, growing 3-8 metres long from a tuberous rootstock up to 20 cm in diameter, is characterised by its pedately 5-7(-11)-foliolate leaves with persistent, often red stipules. It produces bisexual, 4-merous yellow-green and red flowers, followed by fleshy red to purplish-black berries. The leaves and fruits are commonly consumed as a vegetable, noted for their acid, slightly acrid taste due to oxalic acid, and the plant is also valued in traditional medicine.
Where it works in Kilifi
This liana is suitable for Kilifi-coast gardens, thriving in full sun to light shade, though the caudex benefits from some shade. It requires rich, very well-drained, gritty soil and can be a good choice for xeriscaping or as a climber on structures.
Growing notes
It exhibits a slow growth rate, though this can be somewhat improved with adequate water, warmth, and fertiliser during the active season. Once established, it is drought tolerant, preferring occasional watering every three weeks during active growth and much drier conditions in winter to prevent root rot.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: plantnet.org, llifle.com, theferns.info, profitmedia.net, exotic-plants.de, plantlust.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.