Cyphostemma ruacenense

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a climber or scrambler. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are compound with 3-5 broad leaflets. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are small and white, green or yellow. They are in groups.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas. It grows in rocky soils. It grows between 800-1,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The roots are used to make a tea like drink. The root is pounded, soaked and then briefly boiled to make a drink.

Edible parts

Roots - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Orundombo, Otjina tjovakayendu

Synonyms

Cissus ruacanensis Exell & Mendonca;