Tristemma leiocalyx

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A soft woody plant. There is a mass of stems lying along the ground. These form roots at the nodes. There are shoots 1.5 m tall. The stems are 4 angled. The leaves are 11 cm long by 6 cm wide. They have a short point. The leaf stalk is 3 cm long. The flower petals are white or pink.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in damp places. It is often near water and in lowland rain-forest. It is often between 1,140 m to 1,320m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo DR, Sudan, Uganda

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kimbunga mbunga, Makondo makambolo, Masa mansa, Mbunga mbunga, Nsa masa

Synonyms

Tristemma roseum Gilg.; Tristemma vincoides Gilg.;