Stephania abyssinica

Family: Menispermaceae

What it is like

A twining vine. It is woody at the base. It grows 20 m high. The small branches are hairy. The leaf blade is 5-20 cm long by 4-13 cm wide. They are broadly oval. There can be 2-4 flowers in the axils of leaves. The fruit is fleshy and 5-8 mm across. It is flattened. The stone has small prickles in 3 rows along it. The seeds are 8 mm long.

There are 30 Stephania species. Probably edible. It is used in medicine against malaria.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in grassland and wooded grassland. It is best in moist, shady places especially along the edges of rivers and swamps. It can grow up to 3,500 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinée, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kanjoka

Synonyms

Clypea abyssinica Dill. & Rich.;