Cape grape, Evergreen grape
Rhoicissus capensis

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A climber. It climbs by tendrils. It can be 10-17 m long. The young leaves are bronze coloured. They turn bright shiny green. They are round or kidney shaped with a rusty tinge underneath. They are 10-20 cm long. The flowers are small and yellow and produced in clusters. The fruit are berries which are glossy and reddish-black to blue-black. They are 2 cm across. The berries are edible.

There are about 10 Rhoicissus species.

Where it is found

They need fertile soil which is well drained. They do best in part shade. They need protection from the heat of direct sun. The soil need to be kept evenly moist. Plants should be mulched around the base.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

Fruit can be used in making jellies, preserves and syrups. The young leaves and shoots can be eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from tubers. The clump of tubers can be divided.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cissus capensis; Vitis capensis Burm.;