Ceropegia crassifolia

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A vine. It has thick leaves. It is a succulent plant. It keeps growing from year to year with annual stems from the rootstock. It has a cluster of long fleshy roots. It grows about 1 m high. The leaves are simple and sword shaped. The flowers are green or cream. They are cup shaped.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best in sun but can grow in light shade. It cannot tolerate frost. It is best in dry soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, USA, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

A famine food.

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds can be collected from dry pods and should be sown fresh.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ceropegia brachyceras Schltr.; Ceropegia crispata N. E. Br.; Ceropegia thorncroftii N. E. Br.; Ceropegia tuberculata Dinter;