Nile ceropegia, White-banded ceropegia
Ceropegia nilotica

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A succulent herb. It is a climber or scrambler. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It grows 1-5 m high. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are slightly fleshy and have teeth along the edge. The flowers are 4-5 cm long. The tube is joined at the tip. The roots are fleshy and in clusters.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In southern Africa it grows between 50-1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, Southern Africa, Swaziland, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fleshy root is eaten raw. It is crisp and juicy. They are also cooked.

The roots are valued

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kombrua

Synonyms

Ceropegia boussingaultiflora Dinter; Ceropegia constricta N. E. Br.; Ceropegia grandis E. A. Bruce; Ceropegia mozambicensis Schltr.; Ceropegia plicata E. A. Bruce;