Adenia volkensii
Family: Passifloraceae
What it is like
A herb or small shrub. It is a climber. It grows 1.5 m high. It has a rootstock that can be 5.5 cm across. The leaves can be deeply divided. The flowers are cream.
There are 95 Adenia species. They are common in the semiarid regions of Africa.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows between 900-1,750 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It suits well-drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten cooked. The leaves are used as a flavouring in relishes and chutneys. Caution: Fruit and roots can be poisonous.
Edible parts
Fruit, caution, leaves - flavouring
How it is grown
It can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Gakiri, Loarakimak