Monkey rope
Cryptolepis obtusa

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A woody climber. The stems are smooth and twining. They have a milky latex. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are oblong and have short stalks. They are dark green above and light green underneath. The flowers are in a group in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are small and white. The fruit is a cylinder shaped follicle.

Also put in the family Periplocaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are crushed, boiled and eaten. Caution: The leaves may be poisonous.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Leaves, caution

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mdokomela, Simafane, Thanawaswi, Umkhusi

Synonyms

Cryptolepis obtusa N. E. Br.;