Wild grape
Ampelocissus obtusata

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A climbing herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m tall. The leaves have 3 to 5 leaflets. The leaflets are leathery and there are irregular teeth along the edge. The flowers are in dense compact heads. These are on long stalks. The flowers are red and with yellow anthers. The fruit are small and red. They are tart but edible.

There are about 95 Ampelocissus species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in woodland areas and rocky outcrops.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Munsansa, Muzambiringa

Synonyms

Ampelocissus aesculifolia Gilg. & M. Brandt; Ampelocissus arcuata (Welw. ex Baker) Planch.; Ampelocissus brunneorubra Gilg.; Ampelocissus quercifolia (Rolfe) Gilg & M. Brandt; Vitis arcuata Welwitsch ex Baker; Vitis obtusata Welw. ex Baker; Vitis obtusata var. quercifolia Rolfe;