Soap creeper
Helinus integrifolius

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. It grows 6 m tall. It has coiled tendrils. The leaves are 2-4 cm long. They are broadly oval or round. There are hairs underneath. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit is an oval capsule. The seeds are 3 angled. The seed coat is shiny black.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in savanna woodland and in rocky places. It grows in sandy and loam soils. It grows from sea level to 1,980 m above sea level. It can tolerate shade. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Socotra, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kasese, Mulalawa, Nhapucutele, Pupuma, Ubhubhubhu

Synonyms

Gouania integrifolia Lam.; Helinus arabicus Jaub. & Spach; Helinus mystacinus sensu O. B. Mill.; Helinus scandens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) A. Rich.; Helinus ovatus E. Mey.; Willemetia scandens Eckl. & Zeyh.;