Bushman's pipe
Ceropegia ampliata

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A vine that keeps growing from year to year. It climbs 1 m high and spreads 1 m wide. The stem is slender and twining. It does not have leaves. The flowers are light green and tube shaped. They are 3 cm long and swollen at the base. It has expanding dark green lobes that unite at the tip.

The tubers of all Ceropegia species are probably edible. Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is best in a rich, well-drained soil. It suits a protected sunny position. It is damaged by drought or frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania

How it is used for food

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Roots, tubers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds, by cuttings or by dividing the tuber.

Its other names

Local names

Boesmanspyp

Synonyms

Ceropegia ampliata subsp. madagascariensis Lavranos; Ceropegia ampliata var. oxyloba H. Huber;