Menispermaceae
Tiliacora funifera
Elbow-leaf
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Tiliacora funifera is a robust woody liane native to tropical Africa, found in riverine and evergreen forests and moist woodlands. Its dark green leaves are broadly ovate to oblong, featuring 3-5 veins from the base and a distinctive swelling and bend in the petiole. Small white flowers, about 2.5 mm in diameter, appear in clusters on older stems, followed by obovoid to spherical fruits measuring approximately 6 mm.
Where it works in Kilifi
As a vigorous climbing plant, this species is ideal for training over pergolas or fences in a Kilifi-coast garden, or for ecological restoration in forest edges and riverine habitats. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade to shadier conditions consistent with its natural forest understory.
Growing notes
This liane flowers from August to October. It prefers consistently moist conditions, mirroring its natural habitat in humid forest environments.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: drcongoflora.com, mozambiqueflora.com, zimbabweflora.co.zw, zambiaflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.