Ceropegia distincta

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

It is a vine that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.5 m high and spreads 1.5 m wide. The plant contains milky sap. The stem is stout and twining. The leaves are fleshy and in pairs. They are oval and bright green. The flowers develop with or before the new leaves. The flowers are white with purple spots. They are tube shaped. The tubes curve and the lobes expand into a funnel shape. They unite at the tip. The fruit is a double curved pod. The seeds have white silky hairs.

There are about 160-200 Ceropegia species. Probably now in Apocynaceae

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best in a humus-rich soil. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is damaged by frost or drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tuber is washed, scraped clean and eaten raw or cooked. It can be boiled or roasted.

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed, cuttings or division of the tubers.

Its other names

Local names

Muroodza

Synonyms

Ceropegia brevirostris P. R. O. Bally & D. V. Field; Ceropegia cyrtoidea Werderm.;