Culcasia falcifolia

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A vine. It climbs up tree trunks by attaching with its roots. It can grow 20 m tall. It can lie along the forest floor. The leaves are narrowly oval or sword shaped. The flowers are on short separate branches. They have a leathery boat shaped spathe around them. The fruit are red berries in dense heads. They are on stalks 8 cm long.

There are about 20 Culcasia species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in mid altitude and lower montane rainforest. It suits humid locations. It grows in the shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Sudan, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Root, corm

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Culcasia scandens auctt. non P. Beauv.;