Cyphostemma congestum

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A climbing herb. It grows 2-3 m long. It has a tuberous rootstock. The stems have lines along them and are hairy. It has tendrils. The leaves are fleshy and have 3-5 leaflets. They are narrow and 1-12 cm long by 0.7-5 cm wide. They are wedge shaped at the base and rounded at the tip. There are teeth along the edge. The fruit are oval and red. They are 6.5-8 mm long by 4.5-5 mm wide. They are hairy.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The roots are used for flavouring.

Edible parts

Fruit, roots - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cissus congesta (Baker) Planch.; Cissus fleckii Schinz; Cyphostemma fleckii (Schinz) Desc.; Vitis congesta Baker;