There is some confusion over the correct spelling for this name. We have used the spelling above, as per the African Plant Databes[] and The Plant List; however the spelling Ceropegia lugardiae is used by Tropicos and IPNI. A review of the genus is currently (2015) underway and we will amend the specific name if necessary once that has been completed[].

Common Name:

General Information

Ceropegia lugardae is a succulent, climbing plant producing stems up to 10 metres long from a fleshy, cylindrical rootstock. The stems are 3 - 5mm in diameter, they can be herbaceous or persist for more than one year, and they scramble over the ground and climb into the surrounding vegetation, supporting themselves by twining around the stems[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It could be grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Eastern and southern Africa - Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, northern S. Africa.

Habitat

Open woodland at elevations from 900 - 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position with some shade[].
The plant has an acrid smell[].

Edible Uses

Roots - the fleshy roots are washed and eaten raw, cooked or roasted[]. The roots are also a source of water when travelling in time of drought[].

Medicinal

The fresh roots are chewed and the mashed roots are applied to snakebites[]. The root sap is also swallowed for the same purpose[].

The stems and fruits are roasted, then ground into a powder which is applied to leg and back ailments[].

Other Uses

The leaves are rubbed on the strings of bows in order to make them smooth and pliant[].

Propagation

Seed -

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