Baine's gouty vine, Botterboom, Gouty vine
Cyphostemma bainesii

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A small succulent shrub or small tree. It is often only 1 m high. The trunk has several branches. The leaves are large and thick and succulent. They are compound leaves and are 30 cm long. They have 3 stiff leaflets. They are blue-green and often trimmed with red. The veins are yellow. The edges of the leaves are toothed and often crinkled. The flowers are small, flat and fleshy. They are greenish-yellow. They are in flat sprays at the ends of branches. They are on upright stalks which are often red. The fruit are grape-like. They are edible but contain oxalates. They are also high in tannic acid.

There are 150-250 Cyphostemma species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the desert. It occurs in hot, dry rocky areas. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten by swallowing whole as they contain oxalates which burn the throat. CAUTION: Oxalates are poisonous and affect the absorption of calcium.

Edible parts

Fruit, stem - water

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Baines-kobas

Synonyms

Vitis bainesii Hook.f.; Cissus bainesii (Hook.f.) Gilg. & Brandt.;