Perichasma laetificata

Family: Menispermaceae

What it is like

A woody creeper. The stems can be 5 m long. They are slender and have ribs along them. They have stiff brown hairs. There is a tuberous rhizome or underground stem. The leaves are alternate and simple. The leaf stalk joins the leaf blade away from the edge. The leaf blade is oval and 13-22 cm long by 13-16 cm wide. The edges are wavy. The flowers are in a branched group up to 20 cm long. The flowers have the sexes separate. The fruit is round, yellow and fleshy. It is 8-12 mm long by 7-9 mm wide. It has 2 ridges and one seed. The seed is 6-9 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in rainforest and in clearings from sea level to 900 m altitude. It suits humid locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo, East Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, West Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kazilingizimue

Synonyms

Stephania laetificata (Miers) Benth.;