Loganiaceae
Strychnos angolensis
Climbing bitterberry
L
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This species is a climbing shrub or liane, commonly found in riverine and gallery forests from sea-level up to 1500 m altitude. It produces small white to yellow flowers and distinctive ellipsoid to globose, fleshy berries, 1-2 cm long, which ripen to yellow, orange, or red. The smooth, pale brown bark and opposite, elliptic to ovate leaves, often 2-7 cm long and 3-5-veined from the base, are distinguishing features.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden in moist, shaded locations, especially near water features or in riparian zones. It can be grown as a specimen liane or used for ecological restoration, providing coverage up to 8 metres in height.
Growing notes
This liane thrives in shaded conditions and requires consistent moisture, mimicking its natural habitat along riverbanks. While specific growth rates are not detailed, its occurrence in tropical Africa suggests suitability for warm climates. Caution is advised as the roots and stems are known to contain toxic alkaloids and have been used in arrow poisons.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: prota4u.org, drcongoflora.com, mozambiqueflora.com, malawiflora.com, zambiaflora.com, ntbg.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.