Python climber, Broom creeper, Bushveld moonseed creeper
Cocculus hirsutus

Family: Menispermaceae

What it is like

A woody vine or climbing shrub. It is densely hairy. The bark is light grey and textured. The leaves are 4-8 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. They are oval. They can have 3-5 lobes. The leaves have 3 prominent veins that start at the base. The flowers are separate. The fruit is dark purple and fleshy. It is 4-8 mm long.

There are about 8 Cocculus species. The leaves are used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in hot arid places. It grows in dry rocky soils. It grows between 50-1,200 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Himalayas, India, Kenya, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves can be eaten raw. They are also used in curry. The leaves are boiled and eaten with salt and chilli peppers. The fruit are eaten as a snack and also as a vegetable.

The fruit are eaten by children.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bosveld-halfmaanranker, Chireta, Dagadi, Dusaraitige, Dusari balli, Dusseru, Huyer, Jaljamni, Jamti-ki-bél, Jamtikibel, Karrom, Kattukkodi, Musakana, Muzwingo, Nguelana, Para-vel, Patalagarudi, Rupamane, Sisi, Sogadi-balli, Tsitsi, Ururio, Vasan vel, Vasanti tikta, Vasano, Vasu vel, Vellakattukkodi, Vevati

Synonyms

Cebatha hirsuta (L.) O. Kuntze; Cocculus villosus (Lam.) DC.; Cocculus villosus (L.) Diels; Menispermum hirsutum Linn.; Menispermum villosum Lam.; Cebatha hirsuta (L.) Kuntze;