Wild grape
Ampelocissus obtusata subsp. kirkiana

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A scrambling plant. It usually has tendrils. It grows 2 m high. The leaf blade is about 11 cm long. It has 3-5 leaflets. The side leaflets have leaflet stalks 5 cm long. The flowers are small and bright red. They have golden yellow stamens. The fruit are red berries. They are 1 cm across and have 2 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in woodland and on rocky outcrops. It grows between 350-600 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are tart but edible.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cifa-malimwe, Kokoroka, Mundovera, Munyamato, Mumsansa

Synonyms

Ampelocissus elisabethvilleana De Willd.; Ampelocissus kirkiana Planch.; Ampelocissus pulchra Gilg; Ampelocissus rhodesica Suesseng.; Ampelocissus venenosa De Wild,;